Head of Learning Support & SENDCo

PART-TIME HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT & SENDCO CANDIDATE PACK

SEPTEMBER 2023 (OR JANUARY 2024)

CLOSING DATE: MAY 31ST 2023

www.southlee.co.uk

South Lee Prep & Nursery, Bury St Edmunds

South Lee Prep School is a forward-thinking school that is always looking for ways to enhance learning and ignite intellectual curiosity in our children. We want them to become independent learners, to ask questions, to challenge what they already know, to learn new ways of thinking and to be the best they can possibly be We also want them to learn who they are and how to be resilient and happy in their own skin.

Through our six South Lee pillars (authenticity and achievement, communication and community, nurture and zest) we aim to instil the skills and confidence in each child so they can go out into the world, ambitious and brave, ready to make a positive difference in whichever way they choose

Message from the Head

Thank you for taking an interest in the role of Head of Learning Support at South Lee Prep School & Nursery. This is an exciting role with the opportunity for the right candidate to make their mark on this wonderful school. We are looking for someone with passion and energy; who understands the busy prep school day but will advocate for the pupils, how they learn and devise or seek out any additional support that they would benefit from.

I hope you find our brochure helpful but if you have any further questions, please do get in touch with our staff recruitment team at recruitment@southlee.co.uk

I look forward to receiving your application,

Mrs Jo Coventry-King Head

Attributes of a successful candidate

a team player & passionate about their work; inclusive, kind and empathetic; able to balance their own paperwork, meetings and contact time; has a strong knowledge and interest in SEND provision or is willing and able to learn on the job, completing their NASEN training within the first three years; has a good rapport with children and can build confidence and skills through support and interventions; able to build positive and trusting relationships with parents; able to find out information regarding more specialist learning difficulties if needed and recommend courses of action;

good teaching experience

Qualified Teacher Status

Useful Information

This is a part-time role working 4 or 5 mornings a week from 8am through to 1pm. The Head of Learning Support & SENDco is line-managed by the Director of Studies.

The Prep School SENDco would work closely with the Nursery SENDco and help them deliver excellent provision and prepare for OFSTED & ISI inspections.

Key Responsibilities

1) Pupils

Work with the Director of Studies to oversee tracking and assessment and review regularly.

Proactively assess and review tracking data and assessments for all pupils in the school to ensure any learning difficulties can be identified and supported early Work in groups or with individual pupils on specific areas of need. Devise programmes and individual plans for pupils with SEND.

Provide morning drop in support clinics for older pupils and run touch typing sessions;

2) Parents / Carers

Work with parents and carers to navigate any extra SEND support needed from outside agencies; Work with prospective parents, should they have any enquiries regarding our provision and their child's needs;

3) Staff

Support staff in their understanding of SEND learners and the referral process for any pupil who may have SEND;

Work with teachers to create Individual Education Plans for any learner who requires it;

Lead INSET & CPD sessions on particular topics such as dyslexia, ADHD & Autism offering practical tips and advice to class teachers; Support Trainee Teachers, ECTs and Teaching Assistants in their delivery of an appropriately differentiated curriculum;

Work as part of the school's welfare team, representing pupils with SEND.

4) Outside Agencies

Co-ordinate visits from outside agencies of specialists such as Speech & Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists;

5) Administration

Work with Suffolk County Council for any referrals or EHCP needs, completing relevant paperwork and liaising with key professionals; Work to build a useful list of contacts including Educational & Clinical Psychologists; Lead on creating IEPs for all children with additional learning needs; Complete EHCP applications, liaising with parents and teachers; Work with the Director of Studies on assessment, tracking and identifying pupils who would benefit from additional support or intervention; Maintain the school's SEND policy, Accessibility policy, SEND register, departmental handbook and any other relevant documentation for best practice;

Working with the Head of Logistics (Exams) to organise access arrangements for all pupils with SEND; Contribute to pupil references for Senior Schools; Ensure that all aspects of SEND / EAL provision and record keeping are 'inspection ready';

NB This is not an exhaustive list of tasks. The job description is subject to regular discussion and review in order to ensure best practice

Working at South Lee Prep & Nursery

All teachers are issued with an iPad as part of our Digitally Enhanced Learning

Various opportunities for professional development

Longer holidays than the maintained sector

Fee concessions

Free on-site parking

Company Pension Scheme with flexibility for employees and free financial advice for each employee available on appointment

Delicious cooked lunches every day during term time and free refreshments available throughout the day

Conveniently located on the edge of Bury St Edmunds

Reduced rates on facility hire for family events or groups from outside school

Thorough induction with mentor and staff buddy for the first year in post

Amazing colleagues with a culture of teamwork and sharing best practice and support

Application Process

Deadline for this vacancy is midday on 31st May 2023.

Applicants can find the application form and other details on our school website:

https://www.southlee.co.uk/work-with-us

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and the school reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged strongly to apply in good time. All applications should be sent to recruitment@southlee.co.uk

For reasons of safer recruitment, please be aware we do not accept or review curriculum vitae. In order to progress your application, we will require a completed South Lee Prep School Application Form.

It is our policy that we request employment references for all short-listed candidates prior to interview. Applicants will be asked to confrm that they have not been disqualified from working with children. Any gaps in employment will be explored at interview.

Candidates should be aware that in line with Keeping Children Safe 2022, we will conduct online searches for shortlisted candidates.