Assistant SENDCO in Birmingham

Responsibilities

• To deputise for and represent the SEND Lead as required.
• To contribute as directed to the application for EHCPs and the Annual Review process.
• To assist the SEND Lead in coordinating the individual provision made to support individual pupils with SEND, including those with EHC plans.
• To assist the SEND Lead in maintaining the SEND Register, Pupil Passports, Individual Support Plans, and ensuring that records of all pupils with SEND are kept up to date.
• To liaise with external agencies to ensure that individual pupils' needs are met effectively and liaise with parents about the specifics of the SEND provision for their child, under the direction of the SEND Lead.
• To collate and prepare information relating to assessments and referrals under the direction of the SEND Lead.
• To keep accurate records of meetings and discussions with pupils, parents, staff and external agencies.
• To work closely with the SEND Lead to develop parent engagement events.
• To assist the SENDCo in obtaining transition records for incoming SEND students and ensuring educational settings receive relevant records of outgoing SEND students.
• Ordering and maintaining SEND resources as needed.
• Promotion of, and administering the SEND referral process.

Pupil Outcomes

• To support the SENDCo with the responsibility of students with an EHCP, including EHCP reviews, and attending multi‑agency reviews as required.
• To work with students, their families and the Exams Officer to administer the process of access arrangements (AA) for SEND pupils, and collection and collation of AA evidence.
• As directed by the SENDCo to provide in‑class support for students, including undertaking pupil pursuits, and providing feedback to staff to support best practice in inclusion.
• To provide learning support for named pupils or groups of pupils, where and when required, on a range of subjects that may be hindering individual learning and progress, and keep accurate records.
• Monitoring and co‑ordination of work for students with private study in the SEND Hub.
• To assist the SEND Lead in tracking and monitoring relevant interventions to identify progress and needs.
• To help raise levels of attendance and punctuality for SEND students.
• To work with the SEND Lead to promote an inclusive curriculum and in the development of appropriate resources and teaching and learning strategies to make the curriculum more accessible.
• Supporting any Teaching Assistants in ensuring that they are present in lessons/sessions as specified on their timetables and ensure they are aware of strategies in place for the students that they support.

Safeguarding

• To assist the Head Teacher in delivering outstanding safeguarding and child protection across the School.
• To support the administration and communication of the safeguarding team where needed for SEND students.

Communication

• To promote the widespread use of the Graduated Approach.
• To work closely with external agencies such as EP, CAT, SS, PDSS and school nursing team who support student with SEND and medical needs within the school.
• Use the information gathered to inform classroom strategies and additional interventions as needed.
• To maintain accurate records of communication with parents and external agencies, including action/follow‑up taken.
• In liaison with the DSL, SEND Lead and pastoral staff, communicate with parents where appropriate.
• To attend SEND team and School meetings/briefings and those that are specifically in relation to the pupils that you support, such as liaison with multi‑agencies.
• To lead staff CPD sessions focused on understanding the needs of SEND students and promoting strategies to remove barriers to learning.
• To liaise regularly with the Pastoral Team regarding the specific needs of SEND students.
• To collaborate with other SEND specialists across the Academy Trust.

All employees are expected to play a full part in the life of the School community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos, and to encourage colleagues and students to follow this example. The post holder will also be expected to comply with any reasonable request from the Deputy Head or Headmaster to undertake work of a similar level not specified in this job description. To develop a clear understanding of the Academy Trust's vision, mission and strategic aims and to actively support these. To remain up to date with the Academy Trust's policies, procedures and code of conduct and always uphold these. To identify and undertake relevant training to enable continuing professional development, where resources allow. To prepare for and proactively engage in the performance review cycle with your line manager. To attend appropriate internal and external meetings, as directed by your line manager. To undertake such other duties as are agreed as being in keeping with the general nature of the job and its grade. The successful candidate will be required to fulfil an enhanced DBS check. This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description. Job descriptions will be updated or amended from time to time to reflect such changes.

Qualifications

• A working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.
• Relevant experience working with students with a range of additional needs within schools.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders and young people.
• Participation in further SEND CPD to develop knowledge and skills to better support SEND students and their provision.
• A recognised qualification in SEND (or working towards one).
• Minimum requirement to hold at least a pass in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Desirable: Understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its implications for Inclusion.
• Experience of leading others.
• Experience of working with external stakeholders.
• Awareness of developments in SEND education.

Benefits

• Pay and terms and conditions in line with nationally agreed terms and conditions.
• 25 days' holiday per year (rising according to length of service), plus 8 bank holidays and 4 concessionary days where the School is closed.
• Membership of a regulated Pension Scheme.
• Access to training courses and funding towards role‑related professional qualifications for eligible employees.
• A programme of Continuing Professional Development, including apprenticeships.
• Free parking on the School site.
• Free access to the school gym (where applicable).
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering free, 24‑hour confidential assistance.
• Long service award after 25 years' continuous service.
• A cycle to work scheme paid through salary sacrifice for eligible employees.
• Access to Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund (BHSF) for cashback on health‑related purchases.
• Annual flu vaccinations.
• Death in service benefit provided through pension provider.
• UAC discounted summer camps - 50% off fees.

These non‑contractual benefits may be subject to change at any time.

Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, adhering to national safeguarding standards and providing ongoing training and support.