At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support SEND learners and enhance their educational experience.
- Company: Join the Ofsted Outstanding rated East Kent Colleges Group.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN or Care sector and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the Role
As a SEND Officer you will be integral to our Inclusive Learning department based at EKC Dover College. You will be working alongside the support and curriculum teams to enhance the student experience of our SEND learners. As part of your role, you will be expected to build strong links with local schools and the community fostering effective working relationships, enabling the arrangement of smooth and positive transition for our students.
A working knowledge of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) is a necessity as you will be preparing and chairing annual reviews, setting outcomes and ensuring these are monitored throughout the year. You will also be responsible for undertaking support meetings with new and existing students, to ensure that student's support needs are met and strategies are put in place, cascading this effectively to all parties involved. This will include the writing, and reviewing, of personal needs plans, health care plans, behaviour support plans and risk assessments.
You will be supported by other SEND Officers within the EKC Group Colleges, and will be expected to attend regular network meetings to ensure best practice is carried out and information is shared in a timely manner.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave - 27 days FTE per annum + 3 days after 5 years
- Learning and Development Opportunities - if you are interested in developing into teaching, you could benefit from our £7000 investment into teacher training through our in‑house Teaching Academy, 3–4 annual paid group development days, bespoke training programmes and strong internal progression – 1 in 3 roles are filled internally
- Flexible Personal Leave - Time off for your child's first day at nursery or school, moving homes and for interviews
- Competitive Pension Scheme - 18% employer contribution
- Exclusive Discounts & Perks - including restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts as well as car leasing and tech purchasing schemes, on‑site nursery
- Wellbeing and Health Support - Generous sick pay, counselling services, discounted gym membership at Canterbury College, free eye tests and glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return‑to‑work support
- Culture and Recognition - Being part of Community Days, an Annual Staff Celebration Day, and an eco‑friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net‑zero by 2030
About You
Qualifications and Experience you will bring:
- Experience in the SEN or Care sector, with the ability to lead and support a team.
- Proven skills in supporting young people with challenging behaviour and SEMH needs, using proactive and preventative strategies.
- Experience using a range of communication methods and aids (e.g. Makaton, visual supports, symbols) to promote learning and independence.
- A strong understanding of accurate recording, reporting and information sharing, following established protocols.
- A commitment to maintaining student dignity, while adhering to data protection and safeguarding requirements.
About Us & EEO Statements
East Kent Colleges Group is an Ofsted Outstanding rated provider. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities for upholding these principles. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of our communities, with a particular focus on increasing diversity. We uphold positive disability awards and are a Disability Confident Employer. We also commit to Care Leavers and Armed Forces personnel through relevant covenants. All staff are subject to suitable checks including Enhanced DBS.
SEND Officer in Canterbury employer: Ashford College
At EKC Dover College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of our staff. As a SEND Officer, you will benefit from generous annual leave, extensive learning opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme, all while contributing to a meaningful mission of enhancing the educational experience for SEND learners in our community. Join us in a role where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will directly impact student success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current SEND Officers or educators in your area. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with SEND learners, including any EHCPs you've worked on. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to SEND support and your approach to fostering student success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of an amazing community dedicated to inclusive learning.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Officer in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting SEND learners shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. We want to see how you can lead and inspire others in this vital role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the SEND Officer role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'Education and Health Care Plans' and 'support needs'. This shows us that you've done your homework and understand what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid fluff – we want to know exactly how you can contribute to our Inclusive Learning department!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford College
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've prepared and chaired annual reviews in the past, as well as how you set and monitor outcomes for students.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team, think of examples where you've successfully supported and guided others. Prepare to share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in supporting young people with challenging behaviour or SEMH needs.
✨Communicate Effectively
Be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Think about how you've used various methods, like Makaton or visual supports, to promote learning and independence. This will show that you can adapt your approach to meet diverse needs.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Highlight your dedication to maintaining student dignity and adhering to safeguarding principles. Share examples of how you've ensured data protection and confidentiality while working with vulnerable individuals, as this is crucial for the role.
