At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support our dedicated team in enhancing inclusion for students with additional needs.
- Company: Orchard Park Primary School, a fully inclusive and ambitious learning community.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference and work in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Visit our school to see our vibrant community in action and learn more about our vision.
- Why this job: Join us to champion inclusion and empower young people to thrive in mainstream education.
- Qualifications: Skilled classroom teacher with a passion for supporting students with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) is a valuable and key member of our team, playing a complex and specialist role within our learning community. As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute strategically to whole-school development, ensuring inclusion remains at the heart of our vision and practice.
This role will give the successful candidate the privilege of working with our small, dedicated inclusion team and supporting our children with additional needs. Passion, drive, and determination are required to make a difference to our pupils, alongside an ability to lead on policy and practice in conjunction with key stakeholders.
This important role will include overseeing targeted provision for children with additional needs, vulnerabilities, or barriers to learning. It will include the preparation of statutory paperwork, making appropriate referrals, working alongside professionals, supporting parents and families, as well as supporting school staff with quality first teaching and ensuring appropriate adaptations within the classroom are made.
We are a school that is:
- Fully inclusive
- Passionate about meeting the needs of all learners
- Ambitious and aspirational
- Able to make a difference
We are looking for someone who:
- Is an inspirational and skilled classroom teacher and teacher of students with SEND
- Champions inclusion and is passionate about supporting young people with identified SEND
- Has a clear understanding of how young people with identified SEND can be supported to achieve in the mainstream classroom
- Will embrace our highly supportive, professional approach within our brilliant community where staff, parents, and pupils work in close conjunction
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. We want you to see our school in action and share our ambitions for the future, and how you can help us to achieve them. Please contact Lynsey in the school office to organise a visit. We welcome all questions, no matter how big or small.
Orchard Park Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Online checks will be made for all candidates.
SENCo in Cambridge employer: Orchard Park Community Primary School
Orchard Park Primary School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a fully inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on professional development and collaboration, our team thrives on passion and ambition, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a unique chance to work closely with a dedicated inclusion team, making a real difference in the educational journey of children with additional needs.
Contact Details:
Orchard Park Community Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a good look at Orchard Park Primary School's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to inclusion will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can give you insider info about the school culture and what they value in a SENDCo, which can really help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations involving students with additional needs. Being ready with examples of your past experiences will demonstrate your passion and expertise in supporting young people with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with SEND shine through. We want to see your drive and determination to make a difference in their lives, so share specific examples of how you've championed inclusion in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values and vision of our school. Highlight your understanding of how to support young people with SEND in a mainstream classroom, and connect your experiences to our commitment to inclusivity.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Park Community Primary School
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest strategies and policies related to Special Educational Needs. Familiarise yourself with how these can be applied in a mainstream classroom setting, as this will show your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or supported colleagues in implementing inclusive practices.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience working with parents, families, and external professionals. Discuss how you’ve built relationships that support children with additional needs, as this aligns perfectly with the school's vision of collaboration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to inclusion and how they envision the SENDCo role contributing to their goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
