Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) from January 2025 or sooner. We want you to inspire students and raise their aspirations across all aspects of their schooling. SEND is a very strong area of our school with a track record of success which advocates an inclusive culture that permeates every classroom. This is a senior leadership post.

To be a successful SENDCo at St Catherine’s, you will:

·        teach to Grade 9 standard & have the ability to support and challenge colleagues in your areas of responsibility to do the same

·        have an acute awareness of the importance of knowing each student well and plotting their individual paths both academically and pastorally

·        have the ability to ensure students make outstanding progress across all key stages and subjects

·        be committed to enhancing the ethos and culture of the school through determined and ethical leadership so that it becomes highly professional, transparent, efficient, secure and a fun place to work and study

·        thrive on working in teams but be able to work independently

·        constantly challenge yourself to become a better practitioner and leader

·        demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the development of the Catholic life of the school

Role Overview:

The SENDCo plays a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing and academic progress of all students with a focus on those with Special Educational and Medical Needs. You will need to inspire, challenge and motivate our students and staff, having the highest expectations of everyone. Reporting directly to the Deputy Headteacher, the incumbent will lead and manage the Special Educational Needs department which includes five Learning Support Assistants fostering a positive and supportive environment conducive to student development and achievement. The successful candidate will oversee teaching and learning initiatives, pastoral support, collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to the school’s improvement plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Put provision in place to ensure that progress of pupils with SEND improves relative to those without SEND. 

Ensure that the school carries out its statutory responsibilities regarding all students with an EHCP

Support all staff in understanding the needs of SEND pupils.

Support departmental developments of SEND provision.

Monitor progress towards targets for pupils with SEND.

Lead on Access Arrangements across the school and all of the statutory regulations regarding examinations.

Analyse and interpret relevant school, local and national data.

Liaise with staff, parents, external agencies and other schools to co-ordinate their contribution, provide maximum support and ensure continuity of provision.

Support the identification of and disseminate the most effective teaching approaches for individual pupils with SEND.

Work with staff to develop effective ways of bridging barriers to learning through:

a. assessment of needs

b. monitoring of teaching quality and pupil achievement

c. target setting - IEPs, or Provision Maps, CAF

d. keeping accurate records.

Collect and interpret specialist assessment data to inform practice.

Undertake day-to-day co-ordination of SEND pupils' provisions through close liaison with staff, parents and external agencies.

Work with SLT, teachers, Heads of Year and pastoral staff to ensure all pupils’ learning is of equal importance and that there are high and realistic expectations of pupils.

Provide professional guidance to staff to secure good teaching for SEND pupils, through both written guidance and meetings.

Advise on and contribute to the professional development of staff, including whole school INSET provision.

Provide regular information to the Headteacher and governing body on the evaluation of SEND provision.

Maintain and develop resources, co-ordinate their deployment and monitor their effectiveness in meeting the objectives of school and SEN policies.

Work with external agencies to maximise resources made available.

Chair and co-ordinate all Annual Reviews and reviews of Individual Education Plans and CAFs where appropriate and attend/ chair when necessary.

Attend Year 6 Annual Reviews for primary pupils with statements to help facilitate continuity and progression through a transition programme.

Collaborate with senior leadership to contribute to the school improvement plan, aligning the strategic development of SEND policy / provision with broader strategic objectives.

Advise the SLT and governing body of priorities for deployment of staff and utilise resources with maximum efficiency.

Lead on the performance management process for LSAs.

Act as a positive and welcoming presence during parent-facing events, fostering strong relationships with parents and ensuring they feel valued and informed about their child's progress.

Support and live out the school’s Catholic ethos and values

The principal responsibilities and tasks as set out above are not intended to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities, commensurate with the post’s grade and whenever reasonably instructed.

In return, we will offer you:

·        an incredibly supportive group of colleagues and leaders

·        a personalised training and development programme

·        intensive leadership coaching and career advice

·        the chance to perform on a wider stage through the diocese, the LSU group of schools and our London networks

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Mr James Looney (Deputy Headteacher)