SENCO

Contract: Full-time, term time only
Salary: £42,000
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Ipswich

Located in Ipswich, our new school, which has recently opened, has the capacity for up to 30 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 5 to 18 years old 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 well-being and personal growth.

Our school forms 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.

• Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision within the school
• Support the design and delivery of targeted interventions to reduce attainment gaps
• Assess and monitor the progress of pupils in line with their EHCPs
• Hold annual reviews
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help
• Hold the designated teacher role for looked-after children, including attending 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 co-ordination of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability
• Maintain accurate records
• Provide support to colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and behaviour management strategies
• Oversee and prepare annual reviews
• Work closely with the Tutor to ensure appropriate professionals are involved in pupils' development and mental health needs
• Be aware of provision within the local offer
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and 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 and evaluate their effectiveness
• Co-ordinate provision that meets pupils' needs and monitor its effectiveness
• Secure relevant services for pupils
• Communicate regularly with parents and carers
• Ensure that, when a pupil transfers to or from another school, all relevant information is shared to support a smooth transition
• Promote pupils' inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
• Work with the Headteacher and Tutor to support transitions and consultations
• Cover classes where appropriate during teacher absence
• Teaching commitment (50/50) with secondary teaching experience, preferably Science

• Qualified Teacher Status
• National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete the new NPQ for SENCOs
• Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
• Previous experience of teaching in an autism/SEMH school
• Experience in delivering training and leading INSET
• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Conduct
• Committed to professional development and willing to learn

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge 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
• Being part of an exciting journey during the growth of a new school
• Being part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do

We encourage candidates to get in touch to arrange a school visit.

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