Lead SENDCo
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 26 Medi 2025 |
|---|---|
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 08 Hydref 2025 |
| Lleoliad: | Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2JP |
| Cwmni: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | 34686b2f-10d6-4af0-8de4-5743c9edae40 |
Crynodeb
What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status
Degree or equivalent
Experience
Outstanding classroom teacher and tutor
Sustained performance securing very good student outcomes
Skills & Knowledge
Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Able to consistently demonstrate effective planning for practical lessons to help support the delivery of outstanding lessons
Confident in own ability to be effective and to take on challenges
Ability to relate well to students, colleagues, parents and Trustees
Effective behaviour management
Able to support students in maintaining high standards
Efficient and effective administrative, organisational and personal management skills
Personal Attributes
Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate
Have a positive approach with a desire to succeed
Energy, enthusiasm and perseverance
Reliability and integrity
Good interpersonal skills
Professional appearance and manner
Positive commitment to individual personal development
Capacity to work hard, under pressure, to meet deadlines and manage time effectively
A good record of attendance
Adaptable and amenable with respect to working practices
Ability to work independently and in a team, take a collaborative approach
Ability to build supportive working relationships with colleagues
Commitment to supporting the full life of the school
Suitable to work with children
To undertake other activities identified from time to time commensurate with the level of the post as determined by your Line Manager or SLT link
To be committed to your own development through the effective use of the School’s CPD processes
To understand your own responsibilities, be committed to and comply with School policies and procedures relating to child protection, health & safety, welfare, security, diversity & equality, confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
To work collaboratively with the wider organisation and act in the interests of the School at all times
To support the delivery of the School’s strategy as it relates to this post
Equal Opportunities
A commitment to inclusive education
What the school offers its staff
Professional Development
§ Research led CPD programmes, tailored to individual’s aspirations, which are based both in school and across the wider Trust.
§ A full induction programme for all new staff.
§ ECT’s will have a lower teaching load, timetabled mentoring sessions and a full programme of training and induction activities.
§ Unlimited access to the National College CPD platform.
§ An additional INSET day at the beginning of the academic year dedicated to teacher planning and preparation.
§ Our “No lesson judgements” policy ensures lesson observations are developmental and supportive.
§ One INSET day a year dedicated to moderation and curriculum preparation.
Staff Welfare
§ Data capture that is measured and timely - we report progress home three times a year.
§ Minimal written reports.
§ No requirement for teachers to submit lesson plans, even for lesson observations.
§ Teaching staff are only required to do a maximum of one twenty-minute duty each week.
§ Supportive yet challenging governance, which understands that teachers are our most valuable resource.
§ We are a school that appreciates the importance of family. We do our best to support staff when there are issues and requests for additional leave regarding family events and an Additional Leave policy that supports staff when they may need time off school.
§ A teaching load of 43/50 one-hour periods of teaching per fortnight maximum.
Support
§ The school calendar is planned in advance across the whole year so people know what is happening and when.
§ In-house cover supervision team.
§ A comprehensive pastoral team to help with supporting our students with behaviour and wellbeing.
§ A highly effective and proactive support staff that play an important role in supporting teaching and learning.
§ A Marketing, Events and Visits team that are responsible for organising key school events and trips.
Benefits
§ School budgets are set making the assumption that everybody will get their incremental pay rise.
§ Cycle to work scheme.
§ Healthcare cash plan.
§ Occupational health support.
§ Priority admission for staff children (see admissions policy on school website).
§ Employee Discount Scheme (Multiple Retailers – Kent Reward Scheme).
§ Opportunity to perform paid lunch-time duties (with free lunch).
§ Free annual flu vaccination.
§ Employee Assistance Programme.
§ Free tea and coffee provided in the staff room.
§ Use of onsite canteen offering hot meals and salad bar.
§ Opportunities to participate in enrichment activities e.g. theatre visits.
§ Opportunities for flexible working.
§ Free on-site parking.
§ Membership of theTeachers' Pension Scheme(TPS) orLocal Government Pension Scheme(LGPS).
Environment
§ Pleasant working environment with very well-behaved students.
§ Eleven acres of school grounds set in Green Belt land at Tonbridge Campus.
Further details about the role
We are looking to appoint an outstanding Lead SENDCo and teacher who is aware of the key barriers to learning and how to support with adaptive practice. The successful candidate will have an impressive track record in ensuring that teaching, learning and assessment are wholly inclusive in a grammar school school setting.
The Lead SENDCo is committed to delivering the school’s vision and high ambitions for the school’s future. Throughworking closely with all staff they are responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of theschool’s Special Educational Needs Policy. The Lead SENDCo ensures that the day-to-day operation of that policyresults in raising students’ achievement and closing the gap. In addition, the Lead SENDCo is responsible forsupporting policy and ensuring practice across the organisation meets the needs of all learners. The Lead SENDCocommunicates to others clearly and regularly about the strategic direction in this area and supports teachersin establishing effective approaches to Quality First Teaching. In particular, they ensure that the systems andprofiles they introduce are understood and embedded in the everyday work of the school. The Lead SENDCo seeksto challenge underperformance and remove barriers to inclusion and achievement. The Lead SENDCo is anoutstanding teacher who consistently models Professional Standards. They actively seek out best practice andinspire others to continue to improve. The Lead SENDCo actively supports the activities of the school communityand the wider community it serves.
The Learning Support Team are focused and hard-working individuals, who work together to ensureour students feel valued and can make good progress. It is made up of the Lead SENDCo, threelearning Mentors and one other SENDCO. The team work closely with the StudentSupport team and together lead on all inclusion matters in the school, supporting the teaching, learning andassessment of our students ensuring that ‘Quality First Teaching’ is delivered for all. The well-being of ourstudents is a key priority for the school, and the Learning Support Team are at the forefront of our provisionfor student support. The team is highly regarded by all stakeholders and is known for the excellence of itsdelivery and outcomes for all of our students.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities for Lead SENDCO
• Leadership of the School’s SENDCO provision as directed by SLT.
• Line Management of SENDCO
• Develop and monitor systems of guidance and support designed to assist staff in maximising student participation and attainment.
• Raise awareness and understanding of SEND strategies across the school to enable teachers to be more effective in teaching students on the SEND register.
• Lead whole school work on SEND
• Assess and support SEND admissions and assessments, disseminating information to HODs and HOYs and monitoring provision.
• Lead professional development through example; support and co-ordinate the provision of SEND professional development for staff in school.
• Work with HODs, HOYs, parents, community groups, schools, local and national bodies, teaching and non-teaching staff, LA SEN team.
• Oversee the administration and implementation of Access Arrangements in collaboration with the SEND and Examinations Team.
• Represent the School’s views and interests at relevant meetings.
• Ensure effective and timely communication/consultation, as appropriate, with SLT, teaching staff, support agencies and the parents and carers of students.
• Ensure that SEND commitments are effectively and efficiently time-tabled and roomed.
• Promote and support teachers in raising students’ skills and attainment across the curriculum.
• Actively monitor and follow up progress as part of both our strategic aims and the operational delivery of the graduated approach.
• Monitor and evaluate data to identify trends in performance and issues for development as part of the SEDP.
• Identify, update and take appropriate action, on issues arising from data, systems, policies and reports.
• Produce and analyse reports on SEND student performance, including the use of P8 and A8 data, behaviour, attendance and achievement.
• Ensure that SEND quality procedures meet the requirements of the SEDP.
• Report to SLT on SEND provision and influence the direction of strategic planning.
• Be responsible for identifying the students that are at risk of being ‘not in employment, education or training (NEET) who are from the SEND cohort.
• Update any appropriate policies within SEND and ensure the SEND register is accurate and reviewed regularly.
• To target interventions towards students who are regularly late to school and struggle with punctuality from the SEND cohort.
• Maintain positive relationships with other stakeholders through parental engagement and attend Trustee meetings to provide updates, as required.
This job description is current at the date shown, but following consultation with you, may be changed by the Headteacher (or designated person) to reflect or anticipate changes in the job which are commensurate with the salary and job title.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status
Degree or equivalent
Experience
Outstanding classroom teacher and tutor
Sustained performance securing very good student outcomes
Skills & Knowledge
Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Able to consistently demonstrate effective planning for practical lessons to help support the delivery of outstanding lessons
Confident in own ability to be effective and to take on challenges
Ability to relate well to students, colleagues, parents and Trustees
Effective behaviour management
Able to support students in maintaining high standards
Efficient and effective administrative, organisational and personal management skills
Personal Attributes
Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate
Have a positive approach with a desire to succeed
Energy, enthusiasm and perseverance
Reliability and integrity
Good interpersonal skills
Professional appearance and manner
Positive commitment to individual personal development
Capacity to work hard, under pressure, to meet deadlines and manage time effectively
A good record of attendance
Adaptable and amenable with respect to working practices
Ability to work independently and in a team, take a collaborative approach
Ability to build supportive working relationships with colleagues
Commitment to supporting the full life of the school
Suitable to work with children
To undertake other activities identified from time to time commensurate with the level of the post as determined by your Line Manager or SLT link
To be committed to your own development through the effective use of the School’s CPD processes
To understand your own responsibilities, be committed to and comply with School policies and procedures relating to child protection, health & safety, welfare, security, diversity & equality, confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
To work collaboratively with the wider organisation and act in the interests of the School at all times
To support the delivery of the School’s strategy as it relates to this post
Equal Opportunities
A commitment to inclusive education
What the school offers its staff
Professional Development
§ Research led CPD programmes, tailored to individual’s aspirations, which are based both in school and across the wider Trust.
§ A full induction programme for all new staff.
§ ECT’s will have a lower teaching load, timetabled mentoring sessions and a full programme of training and induction activities.
§ Unlimited access to the National College CPD platform.
§ An additional INSET day at the beginning of the academic year dedicated to teacher planning and preparation.
§ Our “No lesson judgements” policy ensures lesson observations are developmental and supportive.
§ One INSET day a year dedicated to moderation and curriculum preparation.
Staff Welfare
§ Data capture that is measured and timely - we report progress home three times a year.
§ Minimal written reports.
§ No requirement for teachers to submit lesson plans, even for lesson observations.
§ Teaching staff are only required to do a maximum of one twenty-minute duty each week.
§ Supportive yet challenging governance, which understands that teachers are our most valuable resource.
§ We are a school that appreciates the importance of family. We do our best to support staff when there are issues and requests for additional leave regarding family events and an Additional Leave policy that supports staff when they may need time off school.
§ A teaching load of 43/50 one-hour periods of teaching per fortnight maximum.
Support
§ The school calendar is planned in advance across the whole year so people know what is happening and when.
§ In-house cover supervision team.
§ A comprehensive pastoral team to help with supporting our students with behaviour and wellbeing.
§ A highly effective and proactive support staff that play an important role in supporting teaching and learning.
§ A Marketing, Events and Visits team that are responsible for organising key school events and trips.
Benefits
§ School budgets are set making the assumption that everybody will get their incremental pay rise.
§ Cycle to work scheme.
§ Healthcare cash plan.
§ Occupational health support.
§ Priority admission for staff children (see admissions policy on school website).
§ Employee Discount Scheme (Multiple Retailers – Kent Reward Scheme).
§ Opportunity to perform paid lunch-time duties (with free lunch).
§ Free annual flu vaccination.
§ Employee Assistance Programme.
§ Free tea and coffee provided in the staff room.
§ Use of onsite canteen offering hot meals and salad bar.
§ Opportunities to participate in enrichment activities e.g. theatre visits.
§ Opportunities for flexible working.
§ Free on-site parking.
§ Membership of theTeachers' Pension Scheme(TPS) orLocal Government Pension Scheme(LGPS).
Environment
§ Pleasant working environment with very well-behaved students.
§ Eleven acres of school grounds set in Green Belt land at Tonbridge Campus.
Further details about the role
We are looking to appoint an outstanding Lead SENDCo and teacher who is aware of the key barriers to learning and how to support with adaptive practice. The successful candidate will have an impressive track record in ensuring that teaching, learning and assessment are wholly inclusive in a grammar school school setting.
The Lead SENDCo is committed to delivering the school’s vision and high ambitions for the school’s future. Throughworking closely with all staff they are responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of theschool’s Special Educational Needs Policy. The Lead SENDCo ensures that the day-to-day operation of that policyresults in raising students’ achievement and closing the gap. In addition, the Lead SENDCo is responsible forsupporting policy and ensuring practice across the organisation meets the needs of all learners. The Lead SENDCocommunicates to others clearly and regularly about the strategic direction in this area and supports teachersin establishing effective approaches to Quality First Teaching. In particular, they ensure that the systems andprofiles they introduce are understood and embedded in the everyday work of the school. The Lead SENDCo seeksto challenge underperformance and remove barriers to inclusion and achievement. The Lead SENDCo is anoutstanding teacher who consistently models Professional Standards. They actively seek out best practice andinspire others to continue to improve. The Lead SENDCo actively supports the activities of the school communityand the wider community it serves.
The Learning Support Team are focused and hard-working individuals, who work together to ensureour students feel valued and can make good progress. It is made up of the Lead SENDCo, threelearning Mentors and one other SENDCO. The team work closely with the StudentSupport team and together lead on all inclusion matters in the school, supporting the teaching, learning andassessment of our students ensuring that ‘Quality First Teaching’ is delivered for all. The well-being of ourstudents is a key priority for the school, and the Learning Support Team are at the forefront of our provisionfor student support. The team is highly regarded by all stakeholders and is known for the excellence of itsdelivery and outcomes for all of our students.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities for Lead SENDCO
• Leadership of the School’s SENDCO provision as directed by SLT.
• Line Management of SENDCO
• Develop and monitor systems of guidance and support designed to assist staff in maximising student participation and attainment.
• Raise awareness and understanding of SEND strategies across the school to enable teachers to be more effective in teaching students on the SEND register.
• Lead whole school work on SEND
• Assess and support SEND admissions and assessments, disseminating information to HODs and HOYs and monitoring provision.
• Lead professional development through example; support and co-ordinate the provision of SEND professional development for staff in school.
• Work with HODs, HOYs, parents, community groups, schools, local and national bodies, teaching and non-teaching staff, LA SEN team.
• Oversee the administration and implementation of Access Arrangements in collaboration with the SEND and Examinations Team.
• Represent the School’s views and interests at relevant meetings.
• Ensure effective and timely communication/consultation, as appropriate, with SLT, teaching staff, support agencies and the parents and carers of students.
• Ensure that SEND commitments are effectively and efficiently time-tabled and roomed.
• Promote and support teachers in raising students’ skills and attainment across the curriculum.
• Actively monitor and follow up progress as part of both our strategic aims and the operational delivery of the graduated approach.
• Monitor and evaluate data to identify trends in performance and issues for development as part of the SEDP.
• Identify, update and take appropriate action, on issues arising from data, systems, policies and reports.
• Produce and analyse reports on SEND student performance, including the use of P8 and A8 data, behaviour, attendance and achievement.
• Ensure that SEND quality procedures meet the requirements of the SEDP.
• Report to SLT on SEND provision and influence the direction of strategic planning.
• Be responsible for identifying the students that are at risk of being ‘not in employment, education or training (NEET) who are from the SEND cohort.
• Update any appropriate policies within SEND and ensure the SEND register is accurate and reviewed regularly.
• To target interventions towards students who are regularly late to school and struggle with punctuality from the SEND cohort.
• Maintain positive relationships with other stakeholders through parental engagement and attend Trustee meetings to provide updates, as required.
This job description is current at the date shown, but following consultation with you, may be changed by the Headteacher (or designated person) to reflect or anticipate changes in the job which are commensurate with the salary and job title.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.