Part Time SENCO (various locations)

Job posted: January 27, 2025

Role title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Reports to: Executive Headteachers’

Location: Varied locations around Greater Manchester available

Salary starting from: £40,000 Pro-Rata to 0.6 (3 days a week) Plus mileage and expenses. Must be able to drive and have use of vehicle.

About Role
As a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), you will play a crucial role in supporting the educational needs of children with special needs across our schools in Greater Manchester. This will be achieved through the effective leadership and management of teaching practices, the development and implementation of tailored interventions, and the provision of guidance and support to staff.

Purpose of the Role

  • To ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
  • To take responsibility for the leadership and management of teaching, providing a model of professional practice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

  • Work closely with the Managing Director, Centre Managers, teachers, and support staff to achieve high standards of student behavior, engagement, and achievement.
  • Monitor teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of all pupils.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to ensure all staff uphold EdStart’s core values.

Teaching and Learning

  • Identify and teach study skills that help students work independently.
  • Develop an understanding of diverse learning needs and implement teaching approaches tailored for SEN pupils.
  • Ensure effective tracking systems are in place to monitor pupil progress.
  • Set up screening systems for pupils at the point of entry to identify needs and review provision.

Staff Training and Development

  • Devise and lead workshops to train staff in improving teaching and learning practices.
  • Provide training for learning support assistants, teachers, and stakeholders on intervention programs and SEN strategies.
  • Support and coach staff to extend their pedagogical approaches.

Operational Management

  • Manage and coordinate teaching programs, resources, and day-to-day operations.
  • Implement systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date communication with stakeholders, local authorities, and referring schools.
  • Disseminate best practices for SEN across the school.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

  • Serve as the Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding, ensuring compliance with all safeguarding requirements.
  • Be the named teacher responsible for looked-after children and contribute to statutory reviews.
  • Promote the health, safety, and well-being of students by involving parents and agencies when necessary.

Parental and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Maintain strong partnerships with parents and other stakeholders.
  • Provide regular updates on pupil progress and ensure that all stakeholders are informed of support programs.

Behavior Management

  • Work with the Managing Director to implement consistent behavior management strategies tailored to individual needs.

Provision Mapping and IEPs

  • Lead the development of the school’s provision map to ensure appropriate deployment of intervention programs and staff expertise.
  • Ensure IEPs (Individual Education Plans) are live documents, regularly reviewed, and their impact monitored.
  • Encourage staff ownership of additional provision and student progress within their groups.

External Collaboration

  • Establish strong links with other schools, agencies, and settings to ensure continuity of learning and support for SEN pupils.
  • Liaise with external support services to enhance the effectiveness of SEN provision.

Qualifications

  • 2 years of management experience, preferably within the Alternative Provision sector.
  • SENCO qualification.
  • Work-related qualifications (desirable).

Performance Expectations

  • Commitment to CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
  • Seek feedback and act upon it to model high professional standards.
  • Inspire, motivate, and support staff in achieving school improvement goals.
  • Evaluate staff performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
  • Develop improvement plans considering the school’s environment, diversity, and community needs.
  • Develop strategies to implement changes effectively, considering risks and barriers.
  • Encourage innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure work is effectively planned and fairly allocated.
  • Mentor and coach staff, encouraging continuous learning.
  • Oversee the completion of projects, ensuring they meet objectives and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Continuously improve teaching, learning, and overall school performance.

Why EdStart?

  • Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting students with SEMH and SEN needs, creating a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed space where every student is given the opportunity to thrive.
  • Professional Growth: EdStart invests in your development with ongoing training, mentoring, and opportunities to grow within the organisation, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to make a meaningful impact.
  • Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a passionate team of educators, mentors, and external professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to student success and well-being.
  • Meaningful Impact: Play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop the skills they need to succeed academically and personally.
  • Work-Life Balance: EdStart values the well-being of its staff, offering a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance and a positive, fulfilling career in education.
  • Innovative Approach: Join a forward-thinking organisation that embraces creative solutions and innovative practices to address the diverse needs of students, ensuring every child receives personalised support.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.

As part of our due diligence process, we will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidelines.

How to apply?

Please complete the application form below: