Job Title: Deputy Head/SENCo
Location: Rutland
Hours: 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of young people, we have the role for you!
We’re looking for a Deputy Head/SENCo to join our team at The Shires. The Shires consists of 2 schools, one based in Stretton and the other in Oakham. The Shires is a special educational needs provision for children aged 11-19.
An exceptional practitioner with previous experience of working with children with learning disabilities and managing small teams of professionals would be perfect for this role. As SENCo you will be supporting and developing colleagues in relation to SEN through advice, guidance and organisation of in-service training. You will also offer line management to staff as a Deputy Head.
This is your chance to join a high achieving team at Acorn Care and Education. Now part of the NFA Group, the Education division is growing strongly, both organically and by acquisition and is one of the largest providers in the country for the provision of care and education with positive regulatory outcomes.
About the School
The Shires consists of four sites all within a 15 minute drive of one another. The Shires at Stretton is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Children’s Residential home within the Acorn Care and Education and NFA Group - the UK’s Largest, Independent Children’s Services group. We cater for young people aged 11-19 years who have been diagnosed with Autism and may have accompanying learning disabilities, behavioural problems or medical conditions.
The ethos of The Shires is very much characterised by a ‘can do’ attitude. Staff share the value of creating a home-from-home for children that reflects a family atmosphere, and cater for the children on an individual basis and ensure they are well-supported.
About the Group
We are part of the Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.
Acorn Care and Education provide education and care across 20 schools and 19 residential care homes nationally. Our vision is to build incredible futures by empowering vulnerable young people in the UK to be happy and make their way in the world. Every day we improve the lives of thousands of young people, their families and communities through relentless focus on caring and learning.
About the role
The Deputy Head/SENCo will assist the Head of Education and work alongside all staff to improve knowledge, confidence and working SEN practices and policies. Creating opportunities for the children and focusing on raising their achievements should be at the forefront of the successful applicant’s mind. There will be line manager responsibilities as a Deputy Head and you will ensure the policies, procedures and curriculum are all intertwined with SEN practices and understanding.
The Deputy Head/SENCo will also work collaboratively with the care managers to ensure seamless transitions between care and education.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual who is educated to degree level or equivalent with Qualified Teacher Status. Experience of working with and managing children with sometimes challenging behaviour is essential.
We are looking for someone who knows how to bring a creative and innovative approach to improving SEN practice and support for our pupils. No two days at The Shires are the same, so we are looking for a Deputy Head/SENCo who has a flexible working approach and can use their initiative. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with young people in a calm demeanour and focuses on the positive outcome of our young people.
Key responsibilities
- To offer line management to staff as a Deputy Head within the two school provisions
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SEN provision through an evaluative provision map management cycle.
- Keep up to date with knowledge of national and local initiatives and how they may impact upon policy and practice.
- In conjunction with SLT, monitor teaching and learning, including planning and work scrutiny, to ensure they meet the needs of children with SEN.
- Work alongside colleagues to develop appropriate schemes of work and individualised programmes for children with SEN.
Essential criteria
Candidates will also need to meet the following criteria:
- Be computer literate and to show good levels of competence in using Windows, Word and Excel;
- Hold Qualified Teacher Status
- Be educated to degree level or equivalent
- Experience of working with young people with autism within a SEN setting
- Experience of managing challenging behaviour
- Experience of managing and coaching staff
- A commitment to promoting the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people
Desirable criteria
- SENCo qualification
Why work for us?
- Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
- Be part of a supportive and dedicated team
- Continuous professional development and training opportunities
- Free meals and parking
- Life insurance
- Pension
- Working term time hours: Monday to Friday
Other information
If you have any questions about the role and want to have an informal conversation please contact Katie Hart on 07471620525 or e-mail katie.hart@theshires.org.uk.
The Outcomes First Group are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS and necessary checks.