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- Tasks: Lead SEND initiatives and support students with complex needs in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Doucecroft School, a supportive specialist school for children with autism and complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a nurturing work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while shaping educational strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in special education and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: Hours as required, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per annum plus training days
Contract type: Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), shaping the school's strategic direction and ensuring its effective operation.
- Act as the SENDCo, leading staff development, ensuring statutory compliance, and working in close partnership with families and external agencies.
- Contribute to, promote, and uphold the school's vision, aims, and objectives.
- Regularly meet with line‑managed staff to gather insights and identify development priorities to feed into the SLT.
- Provide professional guidance to colleagues and work collaboratively with parents, staff, and external agencies.
- Act as key lead on annual reviews, working alongside careers lead and external providers, ensuring continuity for pupils moving into post‑16 provision.
Strategic Leadership (SEND)
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of SEND across the school.
- Ensure provision meets the needs of pupils with a wide range of complex needs (e.g. ASD, PMLD, SLD, SEMH, sensory and medical needs).
- Ensure full statutory compliance with the SEND Code of Practice (2015), EHCP requirements, and LA expectations.
- Oversee annual reviews, EHCP outcomes and person‑centred planning.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience as a senior leader in a specialist school for pupils with complex communication needs.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Undergraduate Degree.
- SENDCo experience.
- In‑depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and relevant education legislation.
- Qualification/training in special education.
- Training in the management of challenging behaviour.
- Team Teach qualifications.
- Qualifications specific to teaching children with Autism and Anxiety.
The School
Doucecroft School is a vibrant, dynamic, and highly supportive specialist co‑educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, aged 3-19 years. Doucecroft has a "Good" Ofsted rating, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive and grow in independence and self‑esteem. Offering bespoke, individualised education with a proven track record of dramatically raising the outcomes for the students who have completed their education with us, our approach ensures that through our curriculum and delivery we focus on delivering quality‑of‑life outcomes, with specialist therapists and professionals providing expertise in addition to the highly skilled education team.
Additional Information
Autism Anglia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and online checks. Autism Anglia welcomes applications from individuals who can meet the requirements of the job position and may request flexible working or reasonable adjustments to support them.
Assistant Headteacher – SEND in Colchester employer: Autism Anglia
Contact Detail:
Autism Anglia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher – SEND in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Doucecroft School's ethos and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership in SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your SEND expertise during the interview. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and how you've implemented effective strategies in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher – SEND in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Assistant Headteacher - SEND role. We want to see how you can contribute to our school's vision and objectives!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your extensive experience in leading SEND initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and how they’ve successfully implemented strategies in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Anglia
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of pupils with complex communication needs, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in a SEND context. Highlight your ability to develop staff and work collaboratively with families and external agencies, as this is crucial for the Assistant Headteacher role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing challenging behaviour or leading annual reviews. Practise articulating your approach to these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Align with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Doucecroft School's vision and values. During the interview, express how your personal educational philosophy aligns with theirs, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their aims and objectives.