SENCO

Polaris Education – Sutherland Hall School, Tamworth
SENCO
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Basic Salary: £42,000 per annum
Location: Tamworth

Benefits

• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme

About the School

Located in Tamworth, Sutherland Hall School has a proposed capacity of up to 78 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We’re incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

• Determine the strategic development of the school’s special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision
• Help design and deliver additional interventions to reduce attainment gaps
• Assess and monitor pupils’ progress in line with their EHCPs
• Coordinate, lead, oversee and prepare annual reviews
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help
• Hold the designated teacher position for looked-after children and attend relevant meetings
• Liaise with the Headteacher, tutor, class teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and the coordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability
• Maintain accurate records
• Support colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour management techniques for individual children
• Work closely with the tutor to ensure that appropriate professionals are involved in supporting pupils’ development and mental health needs
• Be aware of the provision available through the Local Offer
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
• Act as a key point of contact for external agencies, particularly the local authority
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability
• Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN and evaluate their effectiveness
• Coordinate provision that meets pupils’ needs and monitor its effectiveness
• Secure relevant services for pupils
• Communicate regularly with parents or carers
• Ensure that all relevant information is transferred when pupils move to or from another school, supporting a smooth transition
• Promote pupils’ inclusion in the school community and their access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
• Work with the Headteacher and tutor, assisting with transitions and consultations
• Cover classes where appropriate during teacher absence
• Teaching commitment (50/50) secondary teaching experience, preferably science.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Hold the National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or be willing to complete the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs)
• Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
• Previous experience of teaching in an autism / SEMH school
• Experience of delivering training and leading INSET
• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
• Be committed to professional development and willing to learn

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody, you included!
• A commitment to supporting your development and helping you acquire new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
• The opportunity to be part of an exciting journey as a new school grows
• The opportunity to be part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.