At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of SEN policy and support vulnerable pupils in their learning journey.
- Company: Join Polaris Education, a passionate community dedicated to improving young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in special educational needs required.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to professional growth and pupil success.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.
Polaris Education - Redstone Hall School, Ipswich
Contract: Full-time, term time only
Salary: 42,000
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Ipswich
About the School
Located in Ipswich, our new school, which has recently opened, has the capacity for up to 30 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth. Our school forms part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We’re incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Role Responsibilities
- Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision within the school
- Support the design and delivery of targeted interventions to reduce attainment gaps
- Assess and monitor the progress of pupils in line with their EHCPs
- Hold annual reviews
- Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help
- Hold the designated teacher role for looked-after children, including attending meetings
- Liaise with the Headteacher, Tutor, class teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
- Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and the co-ordination of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability
- Maintain accurate records
- Provide support to colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and behaviour management strategies
- Oversee and prepare annual reviews
- Work closely with the Tutor to ensure appropriate professionals are involved in pupils' development and mental health needs
- Be aware of provision within the local offer
- Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and external agencies
- Act as a key point of contact for external agencies, particularly the local authority
- Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability
- Implement and lead intervention groups and evaluate their effectiveness
- Co-ordinate provision that meets pupils' needs and monitor its effectiveness
- Secure relevant services for pupils
- Communicate regularly with parents and carers
- Ensure that, when a pupil transfers to or from another school, all relevant information is shared to support a smooth transition
- Promote pupils' inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
- Work with the Headteacher and Tutor to support transitions and consultations
- Cover classes where appropriate during teacher absence
- Teaching commitment (50/50) with secondary teaching experience, preferably Science
Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status
- National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete the new NPQ for SENCOs
- Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
- Previous experience of teaching in an autism/SEMH school
- Experience in delivering training and leading INSET
- Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Conduct
- Committed to professional development and willing to learn
What We Offer
- A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
- A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
- An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
- A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
- Being part of an exciting journey during the growth of a new school
- Being part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do
We encourage candidates to get in touch to arrange a school visit. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.
SENCO. Job in Ipswich Education & Training Jobs employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO. Job in Ipswich Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Understand their approach to SEN and think about how your experience aligns with their values. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting vulnerable children during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you memorable to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCO. Job in Ipswich Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the SENCO role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children with complex needs. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, as we love to see candidates who are genuinely committed to improving pupil outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences shine through 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, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your SEN Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEN policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Conduct and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a school setting. This shows your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully supported pupils with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
As a SENCO, collaboration is key. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve worked with teachers, parents, and external agencies in the past. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to foster a supportive environment for both staff and students.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Inclusion
Express your enthusiasm for creating an inclusive learning environment. Share your vision for how you would promote pupil inclusion and access to the curriculum. This will resonate well with the school's ethos and mission.