At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs and ensure their success through tailored interventions.
- Company: Outwood Academy Riverside, a growing academy dedicated to student care and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, flexible family policies, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on raising standards and transforming lives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND legislation and a passion for helping vulnerable students.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Role: SEND Officer
Start Date: ASAP
Working Pattern: 37 hrs per week. Term time plus 5 days. (Temporary until 31st August 2027).
About the Role:
Are you deeply knowledgeable about SEND legislation and passionate about translating policy into impactful student support? Nationally the needs of children are fluctuating and as such your experience of working with students with SEND is essential, as is the ability to implement strategies and interventions to assist our more vulnerable students achieve their full potential.
Join us as a SEND Officer, where you will be key to ensuring statutory compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and delivering tailored interventions. You must possess the skills and determination to make a significant difference to the lives of our students and share our single goal of 'Students First, raising standards and transforming lives'. As a key figure in our 'family', you will be expected to contribute to the daily support of the school and ensure all our pupils are catered for during their time in our setting.
You will be an extremely well organised professional and have the ability to plan and prioritise work to ensure that strict deadlines are accurately met. The ability to work on your own initiative and lead by example is essential.
The role will require you to accurately input data relating to these students and produce reports and recommendations. You need to be able to deal with students, parents and outside agencies in a professional, prompt and confidential manner.
You will manage the formal documentation process, including arranging EHCP Review meetings within statutory timeframes, ensuring the review paperwork is sent promptly to the Local Authority. You will manage Teaching Assistants, ensuring effective deployment of resources to meet the needs of all SEND students.
Key duties involve developing and monitoring effective Individual Education Plans (IEPs), ensuring all students on the SEN Register have robust One Page Profiles, and managing a student caseload. Furthermore, you will provide training and guidance to academy staff on differentiation strategies and ensure the Exam Access Arrangement process is compliant with JCQ Regulations.
Responsibilities:
- You will manage the formal documentation process, including arranging and chairing EHCP Review meetings within statutory timeframes, ensuring the review paperwork is sent promptly to the Local Authority.
- You will manage Teaching Assistants, ensuring effective deployment of resources to meet the needs of all SEND students.
- Key duties involve developing and monitoring effective Individual Education Plans (IEPs), ensuring all students on the SEN Register have robust One Page Profiles, and managing a student caseload.
- Furthermore, you will provide training and guidance to academy staff on differentiation strategies and ensure the Exam Access Arrangement process is compliant with JCQ Regulations.
Qualifications:
Experience of working within a school environment and specifically with children with complex Special Needs and/or disabilities is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience and understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. The role requires the ability to track and analyse data to identify students that require intervention, proficiency in standard ICT packages, and a detailed understanding of the JCQ Exam Access Arrangement procedures. Willingness and ability to obtain or enhance qualifications for development is required.
About Us:
Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).
What will we do for you?
- Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.
- Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis)
- Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive role where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply now.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.
Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.
SEND Officer employer: Outwood
Outwood Academy Kirkby is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising the professional development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation in education. Located in a vibrant community, the academy offers a unique chance to contribute to the success of diverse learners, particularly those with SEND and EAL needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you're not just passionate about SEND but also aligned with our mission of 'Students First'.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to SEND legislation and interventions. We want to see how you can translate your knowledge into real-world impact for our students.
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND legislation and how it aligns with our values. We want to see how your skills can make a real difference for our students!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your past experiences working with students with complex needs. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to implement effective strategies and interventions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-organised information that showcases your qualifications and experience without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss how you can translate policy into effective student support will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in a real-world setting.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experience working with students with SEND. Highlight any strategies or interventions you've implemented that made a difference. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and commitment to supporting vulnerable students.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
As a SEND Officer, organisation is key. During the interview, share how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Discuss any tools or methods you use to keep track of documentation and deadlines, as this will reflect your ability to handle the role's demands.
✨Engage with the Academy's Values
Familiarise yourself with Outwood Academy Riverside's values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially the focus on 'Students First'. Showing that you resonate with their ethos will make you a more appealing candidate.