Head of Assessment Centre – OMG Education Kent Site

OMG Education is an independent special school (URN 150750, rated Good by Ofsted) for pupils aged 11-18 who hold an EHCP or have struggled in mainstream education. The curriculum is built around creativity and music technology, underpinned by the ethos that every young life matters.

About the Role

To oversee the day-to-day operational management of the St. James House Assessment Centre, including the coordination of referrals, scheduling and delivery of assessments, quality assurance, and line management of the Assessment Assistant. To uphold high standards of specialist practice across a range of SEN assessments for both children and young people. The postholder works in partnership with the school and the other schools within the group to ensure assessment informs provision.

Location: Due to rapid expansion, we have three vacancies available across our OMG Education sites: St. James House School, Gravesend or Wolverhampton (site to be confirmed).

Reporting to: Executive Head and Head of School

Responsible for: Assessment Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Centre Leadership and Operations
  • Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Assessment Centre, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
  • Develop, implement and review centre policies, procedures and quality assurance frameworks.
  • Manage and maintain assessment scheduling, room bookings and resource allocation.
  • Oversee the management of assessment records, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation.
  • Liaise with the Head of School and senior leadership to report on centre activity, outcomes and capacity.
  • Contribute to the strategic development of the centre, including expanding provision and improving service delivery.
  • Ensure the centre environment is appropriate, accessible and conducive to assessment for all clients.
• Referrals and Caseload Management
  • Oversee the referral process from receipt through to assessment completion and report issues, ensuring timely management at each stage.
  • Triage and prioritise referrals, allocating them appropriately to qualified assessors (including self, where applicable).
  • Act as the first point of contact for referrers, families and external professionals, providing clear information about the centre's assessment offer.
  • Maintain a clear and up-to-date referral tracker and waiting list, communicating progress to relevant parties.
  • Liaise with the school and other schools within the group, GPs, local authorities and other agencies to facilitate referrals and ensure continuity of care.
  • Ensure appropriate consent and data collection procedures are completed prior to assessments commencing.
• Assessment Practice
  • Carry out specialist assessments as required, using a range of recognised standardised tools appropriate to the presenting need (e.g. WIAT, TOWRE, CTOPP, DASH, Lucid Exact, LASS, CAAS).
  • Conduct and/or oversee assessments across a range of SEN needs including SpLD/Dyslexia, literacy and numeracy difficulties, ADHD indicators, autistic traits, processing difficulties and EHCP-related assessments.
  • Produce clear, accurate and professionally written assessment reports with appropriate recommendations for support, intervention and/or access arrangements.
  • Ensure assessment practice is compliant with JCQ regulations (where applicable), professional body standards and relevant legislation including the SEND Code of Practice.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in SpLD and wider SEN assessment, including changes to JCQ regulations and statutory guidance.
  • Advise on and procure appropriate assessment tools and resources for the centre.
• Line Management and Staff Development
  • Directly line manage the Assessment Assistant, providing regular supervision, support and guidance.
  • Delegate and monitor appropriate administrative and preparatory tasks to the Assessment Assistant.
  • Support the professional development of the Assessment Assistant through training and mentoring.
  • Contribute to recruitment, induction and performance management processes for centre staff as required.
• Communication, Liaison and Reporting
  • Communicate assessment outcomes sensitively and clearly to clients, parents/carers and referrers, both verbally and in writing.
  • Liaise with colleagues across the school and the other schools within the group to ensure assessment findings inform provision planning.
  • Provide guidance to teaching and support staff on the implications of assessment outcomes and how to implement recommendations.
  • Contribute to EHCP processes, Annual Reviews and SEN Support Planning as required.
  • Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, including SEND review meetings, local authority consultations and professional networks.
  • Raise awareness of the centre's offer within the school, across the group, and beyond.
• Safeguarding and Professional Standards
  • Uphold the school's commitment to always safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
  • Ensure all centre activities comply with relevant legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, Equality Act 2010 and GDPR.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to the relevant professional code of conduct (e.g. BPS, PATOSS, SASC, SpLDA).
  • Participate in relevant CPD and maintain a record of professional development.

Person Specification

• Qualification and Training
  • A current Level 7 SpLD Assessment Qualification approved by JCQ (e.g. AMBDA, AMBDA-HE, PATOSS, SASC-recognised) or a current SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC); or a relevant teaching qualification (QTS/QTLS or a Level 5 SpLD specialist teacher qualification) and active enrolment on a Level 7 access arrangements qualification, with completion required within 12 months of appointment.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent professional qualification.
  • Evidence of relevant continuing professional development in SEN / SpLD assessment.
  • Additional qualification or training in ADHD, autism, or broader SEN assessment.
• Experience
  • Significant experience of working with children and/or adults with SEN in an educational context.
  • Experience of conducting specialist SpLD/literacy assessments using standardised tools.
  • Experience of producing high quality assessment reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Experience of managing or coordinating a caseload, service, or team function.
  • Experience of EHCP processes, Annual Reviews, and statutory SEN frameworks.
  • Experience of line managing or supervising support staff.
  • Experience of working with adults (post-16/HE) as well as children.
  • Experience of working across multi‑agency or multi‑professional contexts.
• Knowledge and Understanding
  • Up-to-date knowledge of JCQ regulations relating to Examination Access Arrangements.
  • Thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, Equality Act 2010).
  • Proficiency in administering a range of standardised assessment tools (WIAT, TOWRE, CTOPP, DASH, Lucid Exact, LASS).
  • Ability to produce professional, accessible and legally compliant assessment reports.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain accurate records.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex findings to non-specialist audiences.
  • Good working knowledge of GDPR and data protection in an educational/assessment context.
  • Proficiency in relevant software and electronic record systems (e.g. the school's MIS, Excel, assessment platforms).
  • Knowledge of ADHD and autism diagnostic frameworks and assessment tools.
  • Familiarity with assessment needs of adult learners, including HE disability assessments.
• Personal Attributes
  • A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for individuals with SEN across all ages.
  • Confident, clear and empathetic communicator with clients, families and professionals.
  • High degree of professional integrity, discretion and sensitivity.
  • Self‑motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Resilient under pressure, able to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
  • Open to feedback, reflective in practice and committed to ongoing professional growth.
  • A team player who leads by example and supports the development of others.
  • A calm and reassuring presence with clients who may experience anxiety around assessment.

St. James Assessment Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and 2 satisfactory references.

What we Offer

• Career Development: Gain invaluable hands‑on experience for careers in education, therapy, youth work, or social services.
• Training Opportunities: Benefit from ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to enhance your skills.
• Inclusion & Impact: Make a real difference in the lives of young people who need your support the most.

OMG Education Independent School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join a team that is making a real difference in the lives of young people.