Cheney School is thriving. There is a culture of collaboration, support and care throughout the school, leading to higher standards and greater job satisfaction every year. The SEND department is a leader in the sector, and is central to the success of the school, with excellent outcomes both pastorally and academically for some of our most vulnerable students. The successful candidate could be from any subject background and will have the opportunity to teach both nurture classes and academic classes up to A-Level, if appropriate. Our school motto is “think for yourself; act for others”; these are not just empty words, and are an essential part of the way Cheney runs. The post is open to a fully qualified and experienced SENCo (receiving TLR 1.2 and SEN Allowance).
What skills and experience are required
You need to have good subject knowledge, like children and want to work in a genuinely diverse community. This requires enthusiasm, compassion and patience; a true comprehensive school is the most rewarding place to work, but can also be a challenge.
What we can offer
We offer a positive and supportive workplace with an exceptionally supportive and open-minded staff body. Visitors always comment that people like each other at Cheney. We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training and advancement; the range of Continuing Professional Development is second to none. You can read the outcome of our most recent Ofsted inspection here.
The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance.
Cheney School is part of the River Learning Trust
RLT believes education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.
OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.
OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.
OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.
Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.
This role includes regulated activity relevant to children.
The River Learning Trust and Cheney School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
SENDCo and Head of SEN Department in Oxford employer: Cheney School
Cheney School is an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development and career progression, employees are encouraged to grow within a diverse community that values compassion and enthusiasm. Located in a thriving educational setting, Cheney offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a positive workplace culture.
