Head of Learning Support & Inclusion (SENCO)

Head of Learning Support & Inclusion (SENCO)

Queen’s Gate is a happy, bustling GSA day school for girls aged 4 –18 and is ideally situated in Central London to take advantage of the many educational opportunities on offer.

We wish to appoint from April 2025 an energetic, well-qualified Head of Learning Support & Inclusion (SENCO). Queen's Gate is a selective school, but broadly so, and we are proud of the diversity within our pupil body, which includes girls with a range of SEND and neurodiversity. We are known for our academically aspirational atmosphere, in which each girl is supported to meet and hopefully exceed her individual potential. Our examination results at GCSE and A Level are impressive, with strong value-added scores, and almost all our girls leave us to pursue university-level study. Recent destinations have included Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, as well as a range of colleges in the US and Canada. A school that prides itself on its creativity and originality, we consistently send girls to some of the top art and design courses available.

This role will involve a range of duties as outlined below, although the precise job description will be agreed with the successful candidate:

-           Provide overall direction for the School’s Learning Support programme

-           Provide guidance and support for teaching staff in the Junior and Senior Schools for girls who have been identified with SEND, and advise the SMT on relevant trends and developments

-           Ensure appropriate records (‘Learning Passports’) are compiled, disseminated and maintained for these girls

-           Monitor the implementation and efficacy of SEND interventions

-           Monitor across both Junior and Senior Schools the delivery of quality-first teaching and fulfilment of statutory responsibilities to pupils with SEND

-           Serve as the SENCO

-           Manage all exam access arrangements, including for our admissions processes, and ensure all required paperwork is completed correctly and in good time

-           Liaise with relevant external agencies/individuals, e.g. educational psychologists

-           Lead and line manage other staff within the department, including conducting appraisal

-           Teach and support pupils on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, and provide in-class support where necessary

-           Liaise with staff to identify pupils requiring support from the department

-           Liaise with parents of pupils requiring support from the department

-           Attend staff meetings and contribute to discussions regarding relevant pupils

-           Manage the overall SEND Policy, which includes sections on EAL and the pastoral care of these pupils

This vacancy, which arises due to the current postholder’s appointment to another London day school, is for a full-time role; however, we would be interested in hearing from candidates looking for a part-time position. The SEND Team currently comprises the SENCO, a SEND/EAL specialist and a SEND Assistant, with other teachers occasionally seconded to the team to provide additional support.

The Candidate Application Pack with the Job Description and Person Specification has been attached. Please ensure that you complete the Application Form attached and send this to Recruitment@queensgate.org.uk if you wish for your application to be considered for this vacancy. Application closing date is 25 November 2024.