Responsible for:
- Quality assurance of SEND provision in allocated schools.
- Review of caseload of EHCPs by statutory deadlines
- Exam access arrangements
About the role
Exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to work with a caseload of pupils across a number of schools supporting Head Teachers and Executive Head Teachers to meet our vision to create ‘Exceptional Schools’.
This role will oversee schools in the Newhaven/Lewes area.
Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support.
Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.
The staffing structure around our family of schools means that Regional SENDCos are well supported, allowing them to focus on what is important. An Assistant Director and a Lead SENDCo will support decision making and problem solving. Regional SENDCos will hold responsibility for a caseload of pupils over a number of schools. Executive Head Teachers or Head Teachers are in post at every school.
Admin and compliance teams keep things running smoothly, a specialist Head of Teaching Learning and Curriculum helps to drive the quality of education and you will also work with a broader team of Regional SENDCos that operate in other regions across the country.
The SENDCo will lead the support of effective teaching and learning across all allocated sites, aiding children to overcome a multitude of barriers to education and a-typical learning journeys. SENDCos in our settings need to be hands-on, solution focussed and child-centred – observing children in class and at leisure to provide feedback, support and advice to those working with them. They will manage Annual Reviews of EHCPs as well as assessments and applications across a range of LA teams.
The Regional SENDCO will
- Oversee and map SEND provision in Compass Schools in their region.
- Advise on screening of new admissions alongside Head Teachers.
- Ensure appropriate baseline and progress data is collected and monitored for all pupils.
- Liaise with involved professionals to ensure assessment is accessed in order to identify, investigate and meet SEND needs.
- Maintain SEND register and summary SEND information for all pupils in region.
- Work closely with Executive Heads and Head Teachers as well as Therapeutic Pastoral Leads to ensure EHCPs are followed so that pupils’ needs are met.
- Set up of ILP templates and check these are appropriately reviewed.
- Ensure recommended strategies and interventions are implemented by Teachers and Support staff via ILP production and maintenance.
- Ensure statutory EHCP review deadlines are met by holding Annual Reviews and liaising with Local authorities and all involved parties.
- Ensure that Compass policy and processes are followed, using the appropriate Compass templates as directed by the National SEND Lead.
- Visit allocated schools in person regularly each term to carry out learning walks, book looks and inspection of ILPs alongside Head teachers to quality assure SEND provision by Teachers and support staff.
- Deliver CPD and training as indicated by quality assurance checks and needs of pupils.
- Communicate with Teachers to identify and write applications for Exam access arrangements
- Ensure Assessment for access arrangements where appropriate is completed in a timely manner using identified Compass assessors.
- Maintain access arrangement records for exam centres within region. Working with Exam Officers to make applications and put adjustments in place for exams.
- While the Regional SENDCO will have broad responsibility for the oversight of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers will hold responsibility for the day-to-day education and support and progress of pupils within their classrooms.
Person Specification
A practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, be that with students, parents or professionals.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Holds an appropriate SENDCo Qualification such as PGCiPP NASENDCo or similar OR have experience in a SENDCO role and be willing to undertake NPQ SENDCo qualification within 2 years of taking up post.
- A proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
- An excellent, efficient and emotionally intelligent communicator.
- Sound working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- A strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Experience of crisis-management/managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.
- The ambition to progress professionally within an expanding, child-centred national organisation.
- Experience of effective working with hard-to-reach or disengaged families.
Benefits and Rewards
- Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
- Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
- The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams.
- Enhanced occupational sickness scheme.
- Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Engagement and retention budgets for every staff member.
- Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments including optical and dental with MediCash.
- Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards.
- Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
- Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, technology and cycle to work.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.
All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.