Job Description

Castles Education provides a specialist education for students aged 7 to 16 with social emotional and mental health needs. Our vision is to

change lives for the better through personalised learning, nurture and preparation for life

and our values are PRIDE:

PURPOSE, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, DETERMINATION and EXCELLENCE.

We are an independent school and our places are funded by Local Authorities. All of our pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans and we have an outstanding reputation for our dedication to inclusion. As our school continues to grow we are expanding our SEND Team and are seeking a skilled and committed SENCo to join our established and supportive team.

Job Purpose:

The SENCo is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

The role operates as part of the SEND Team, implementing the whole-school SEND vision under the direction of the Head of SEND, the SENCo will ensure that pupils with SEND make strong academic, social, and emotional progress through effective identification, assessment, provision, and review.

Key Responsibilities:

To implement the whole-school SEND vision within the allocated phase(s), promoting inclusive practice and high expectations for pupils with SEND. To ensure SEND provision and documentation meet statutory requirements and school expectations. To coordinate robust identification, assessment, and review processes to that SEND needs are identified early and support is effective. To ensure Education, Health, and Care Plans are implemented effectively and reviewed in line with statutory guidance and pupil outcomes. To support effective admissions, consultations, and transitions so pupils with SEND access appropriate provision and continuity of support. To build effective partnership with parents, carers, and external professionals in order to secure coordinated, high-quality support for pupils with SEND. To support staff in delivering inclusive, high-quality provision for pupils with SEND. To monitor outcomes and contribute to continuous improvement in SEND provision. To fulfill the statutory role of Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, promoting educational achievement and well-being.

Duties:

Strategic implementation and inclusive practice. Statutory duties and compliance. Identification, assessment and Graduated Response. EHCP co-ordination and review. Admissions, transitions and consultations. Parental engagement and development. Staff support and development. Monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance. Designated teacher for looked after children (LAC)

Person Specification

Essential:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

National Award for SEN co-ordination (NASENCo) or National Professional Qualification for SENCO (NPQSEN), or willingness to complete within 3 years

Secure knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice

Strong understanding of Graduated Response models and inclusive practice.

Knowledge of Education, Health and Care plans, including statutory review processes

Understanding the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs

Experience of working with pupils with SEN in an educational setting

Experience of co-ordinating or contributing to SEN assessment, provision, and review processes

Experience of working collaboratively with parents and external professionals

Desirable:

Additional qualifications or training relating to SEN, SEMH or inclusive practice

Safeguarding or Designated Teacher for Looked After Children training

Knowledge of independent sector SEN expectations and Local Authority processes

Understanding of multi-agency working and referral pathways

Experience leading or co-ordinating EHCP annual reviews

Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs

Experience contributing to SEN self-evaluation or inspection preparation

Our successful candidate will have free access to 24 Hour Employee Assistance Programme that provides practical information and support on issues like money management, family and legal information.

We also have a network of Mental Health First Aiders to provide support you in the event you experience issues relating to your mental health.

This is an exciting and varied role where you will be able to make a tangible, positive difference to the lives of the pupils you will support. The job is demanding but immensely rewarding.

At Castles Education, we pride ourselves on our diverse workforce, and ensuring we have an inclusive environment for all our team members. We remain committed to ensuring our teams can bring their true selves to work without risk or fear of discrimination.

Castles Education are committed to safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to rigorous recruitment & online checks and pre-employment checks.

Castles Education is an exempt employer as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and as such, we have a lawful basis for requesting an enhanced DBS disclosure certificate for all employees and the post is subject to a six month probationary period.

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required.

f you would like to talk to someone about this role, please contact our HR Team 01427 253117 or email us at hr@castleseducation.co.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,916.00-45,352.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person