At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our inclusive vision and shape provision for students with special educational needs.
- Company: Stour Valley Community School, a warm and welcoming secondary school.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Visit our school to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and be part of a valued leadership team.
- Qualifications: Qualified SENCO with experience in leading inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
Working pattern: Full time (0.8 would be considered)
Location: Stour Valley Community School
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified and experienced SENCO to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Headteacher SENCO, leading our inclusive vision and shaping provision at the heart of the school community. Our SEND department is well-established and highly regarded across the school, with strong support from both the senior leadership team and the wider Trust. Inclusion is central to our ethos, and SEND leadership is highly valued.
School context: We are a warm, welcoming and inclusive 11-16 secondary school of 575 students in the beautiful town of Clare, situated in rural West Suffolk between Sudbury and Haverhill on the borders of North Essex and Cambridgeshire. As a thriving and oversubscribed community school, we pride ourselves on knowing our students well and creating a calm, friendly environment that visitors consistently praise.
Team and provision: The department includes a skilled and committed team of experienced Learning Support Assistants, a dedicated Inclusion Manager and an Assistant SENCo, all of whom bring expertise, professionalism and a shared passion for supporting students to succeed. Our team prides itself on the strong, positive relationships we build with students with SEND and their families. Our Learning Support area delivers a bespoke, flexible curriculum designed to meet individual needs and maximise outcomes. In addition, the department benefits from strong administrative support from experienced LSAs, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the provision.
Visit the school: Prospective candidates are very welcome to make an appointment to visit our school and discuss the position further.
EEO statement: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.
Assistant Headteacher in Suffolk employer: Anglian Learning
Stour Valley Community School is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and professional development within a supportive environment. Located in the picturesque town of Clare, our school fosters strong relationships among staff, students, and families, ensuring a collaborative atmosphere where every team member can thrive. With a well-established SEND department and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer meaningful opportunities for growth and a rewarding career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Stour Valley Community School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and ethos will help you connect better during your conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusion! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples of how you've supported students with SEND. We want to see that you truly care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If you can, reach out to someone already working at the school or within the Trust. They can give you insider tips on what the team values and how to stand out in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for inclusion shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students with SEND in the past and how you plan to continue that work at Stour Valley Community School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience as a SENCO and how it aligns with our inclusive vision. We want to see how you can contribute to our thriving community school!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Learning
✨Know Your SENCO Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience and how you've successfully led inclusive practices in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Headteacher, you'll be part of the senior leadership team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you've inspired others or made a positive impact on your school community. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute to the school's vision.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Inclusion is all about relationships. Be ready to talk about how you've built strong connections with students, families, and colleagues. Share specific examples of how these relationships have helped improve outcomes for students with SEND. This will highlight your commitment to the school's ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the school's approach to inclusion, the support available for the SEND department, or how they measure success. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
