Associate Principal - Inclusion Lead/SENCO

What our parents say about our school… (statements from this years’ survey)

‘Brilliant school, great to see my child thriving. Teachers take the time to understand the child individually and build up relationships. Thank you!’

‘Thank you for making the last 7 months amazing for my child. We definitely made the right decision to wait for this school.’

‘Dorset Studio school has been amazing for my daughter. I have never known a school like it and I am so grateful that she was accepted by them.’

‘A wonderful learning experience with a dedicated friendly teaching team!’

‘DSS is an amazing school. My child is very happy. You all do an amazing job. Thank you.’

‘My children enjoy the different outlook DSS has on education’

‘Very pleased with the school. It has really helped our daughter to do well and has helped her a lot with her confidence and friendships, as well as her education.’

 This is what our staff said this year…

‘I feel valued’

‘Colleague relationships are amazing’

‘There is openness and transparency between staff’

‘Staff take teaching and learning very seriously’

‘The SLT are the most supportive I’ve known’

‘I am entrusted to do my job to the best of my ability’

‘I have been given the confidence to make my own decisions both within my department and now, at whole school level. I feel supported, encouraged and valued. I have also been supported towards the completion of my NPQSLT. This was not my idea and something the school encouraged me to do.’

‘The best thing about working here is seeing the children blossom and grow stronger’

 And this is what our year students said this year…

‘Choosing DSS was one of the best decisions I ever made. The teachers are all friendly and supportive and try to get the best out of all of us for the future’

‘The work is suited to my ability. I am challenged and supported’

‘Dorset Studio School is way more supportive than any other school I have been to. The teachers care about the students and allow students to flourish in their subjects’

‘The best school I have ever been to – excellent support in all aspects, both academic and pastoral support’

‘Work experience throughout year 10 and 11 has helped me grow as a person. It has helped me overcome my fear of social interaction’

‘DSS is a very diverse and supportive school. All the teachers are very helpful as they give great support and are very qualified which gives us an in-depth learning experience’

‘This school has brought the joy back to learning and coming to school’

‘I previously struggled in Math’s but due to the teachers here I’m beginning to love the subject. The staff have supported me and pushed me further in order to reach a potential I was never sure I had’

Does this sound like a school community you would like to be a part of?

We work hard. We are relentless in our pursuit of the best opportunities for students. We are resilient and tolerant, adaptable and flexible. We are team players. We enjoy each other’s company. We look after each other. Our students are incredibly committed to our school.

We are professionals demonstrating expert judgement. We are calm of disposition and intellectually aware. Characteristics are more important than experience. Our team are exceptional people.

Our progress

The Dorset Studio School progress score has consistently placed us among the better performing secondary schools in the County. This year, students made more progress with us than was the case in more than half of many long established much larger schools within Dorset. Only three Studio Schools nationally fared better, with Dorset Studio School achieving the best Studio School progress scores south of London.

The role specifics

We are seeking a colleague who will be able to quickly and seamlessly make a notable and obvious contribution to our staff team. As a member of our SLT, you will set a leadership example for others to follow. As such, you will be an expert in Inclusion, ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. You will need to hold a NASENCo qualification along with your Qualified Teacher Status (both are essential for the role).

Working closely with the Assistant Principal (Quality of Education) to improve and embed evidence informed teaching pedagogy and practice and Assistant Principals with responsibilities for behaviour at Key Stages 3 and 4 and their Pastoral Leaders.

You will work with the Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership, clear direction and effective implementation and management for the School’s Inclusion and SEND policies.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has the passion, drive and experience to lead our SEND provision
• Has a sound, working knowledge of the SEND code of practice.
• Has a sound insight into what constitutes highly inclusive practice
• Is innovative and looks for ways to push the boundaries
• Is highly efficient and well organised
• Is curious about children barrier’s to learning including being trauma informed
• Has excellent people skills and the ability to lead, motivate, inspire and support colleagues
• Sees parents as key partners in the work we do for all our children, but particularly those who have additional needs
• Can engage with a wide variety of professionals to support school in its endeavour in meeting the needs of all pupils

Dorset Studio School is oversubscribed and is proud of its strong reputation. As an evolving and growing school, the range of appointments we make, and the skill set we look for is ever expanding. We are developing our provision in many of our staff teams.

 Interested? Intrigued? Excited?

If you want to work in a good school with a creative and ambitious outlook, we would love to hear from you. We remain oversubscribed with both students and staff! We fill rare staff vacancies quickly. Please download our application pack for further details.

 Web: www.dorsetstudioschool.co.uk

Safer Recruitment Procedure

The Dorset Studio School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. In order to meet this responsibility, the school follows a thorough selection process to discourage and screen unsuitable applicants. The process includes at least two references, from previous and current employers. These will be contacted before interview and in all cases, before an offer of employment is made. Please be aware that checks (including online) may be carried out on all aspects of the application to confirm the validity of information supplied. Child Protection Statement

The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check, in line with national safer recruitment guidelines. As part of the shortlisting process, we will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on the shortlisted candidates.

Equal Opportunities

The Dorset Studio School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Please Note :To avoid disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their application as early as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert early.