Assistant Headteacher: SEND and Inclusion Lead

Rugby Free Secondary School, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 5PE

3 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2024

• Closing date

  9 May 2024 at 1pm

• Date listed

  15 April 2024

Job details

• Job role:
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: L10 - L15

Assistant Headteacher: SEND and Inclusion Lead job summary

‘Pupils benefit from a school community that includes pupils from a wide range of different backgrounds and cultures. There is a culture in which pupils see these differences as a positive thing. Uniqueness is valued and celebrated. Pupils feel confident ‘to be themselves’ at Rugby Free Secondary School. (Ofsted ‘Good’: July 2021)’

At Rugby Free Secondary School, we aim to foster kindness and pride, whilst maximising our academic and personal potential. We believe that all of our students should be happy and safe, whilst demonstrating the limitless endeavour and resilience required to succeed by striving for excellence. To achieve these goals, our school ethos is underpinned by the foundations of mutual respect, positive relationships and genuine curiosity.

This is encompassed in our educational philosophy of creating more articulate, organised and progressive learners, and the desire to create both independent and collaborative learners who are proud to be educated at Rugby Free Secondary School.

Alongside this, we focus on broadening our students’ core subject knowledge and understanding of the wider world. As a consequence, quality-first Teaching and Learning is at the centre of our school’s ethos, and is the key priority for all staff. Our aim is for teachers to deliver high-quality lessons to all year groups, whilst also being supported to develop through pertinent and purposeful internal and external CPD that is bespoke.

Learning is integral to everything we do at RFSS. We ensure that all of our students, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability, receive the best possible learning experiences, to enable them to achieve and maximise their potential. Here at RFSS, we continually support students to develop a love of learning to help them become learners for life, in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need in the real-world. This is also the case with our teaching staff, who continuously develop and update their own pedagogical practices, through Action Research projects and other bespoke professional development sessions.

Our students are encouraged to use their thinking skills to build on existing knowledge, generate their own ideas and opinion, and to solve problems effectively, both individually and in collaboration with their peers.

This philosophy also extends itself to the personal aspect of Teaching and Learning, as we strive to develop well rounded staff and students who are respectful, curious and resilient.

Please find below link toour websitewiththelatest Ofsted report whenwewere graded as‘Good’.

https://www.rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk/ofsted

Our Values are:

Endeavour - The belief that hard work is needed to achieve something we can be proud of

Respect - To appreciate the importance of understanding and admiration for others and self

Resilience - The ability to recover quickly and learn from the difficulties we face

Curiosity – A strong desire to know and to learn

Collaboration – The belief that working and learning with others will lead to greater success

Kindness – The quality of friendliness, generosity, consideration, honesty

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RFSS is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, warm and caring SEND & Inclusion Lead to join our growing school. We are looking for someone who is committed to the development of young people, and someone who believes that everyone can achieve. We welcome applications from qualified SENDCo’s who are experienced, though we do have a qualified SENDCo currently in position.

This role is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Leader who wants to build relationships and work with students and parents/carers of students with varied needs. In addition to this, the SEND & Inclusion Lead will have the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders to shape the future direction of the school’s Communication & Interaction Specialist Resource Provision (SRP), in collaboration with the SRP Manager.

The SEND & Inclusion Lead will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEND) policy and implementation; including oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising all students’ attainment and achievement.

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Specific areas of responsibility and Key Tasks

Core duties as Assistant Headteacher: SEND & Inclusion Lead

Strategic:

To be accountable for the strategic direction and development of SEND policies, plans and targets in line with the School Improvement Plan including the monitoring and evaluation of the quality of education and outcomes for students with special educational needs.

To lead, manage and oversee the operations of the School’s SEND strategy and policy in line with the national SEND Code of Practice ensuring that the school is compliant with SEND Legislation and requirements. In addition, to ensure that the school is meeting the criteria of the new Warwickshire Inclusion Charter.

To ensure that Senior Leadership and the Trust are kept up to date on government changes to policies including actively monitoring and responding to inclusion initiatives at a national, regional and local level.

To work with the Local Authority, other SENDCos in the area and other professional stakeholders to share best practice from SEND Networks.

To provide reports for the Headteacher and the Trust where required.

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To manage the SEND budget including applying for additional higher needs funding from Local Authorities, managing costed IEPs for all EHCP students and liaising with the Finance team to ensure that the correct funding is being received for all EHCP students.

To develop, plan and monitor the delivery of educational and therapeutic provision in our new Communication & Interaction Specialist Resource Provision alongside the SRP Lead and Senior Leadership Team.

To line manage the staff within the Inclusion department.

Report on SEND developments to DoLs, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher and Governors as appropriate

Update the SEND Policy, the SEND Information Report and other information on the school website.

To contribute to the development of a positive ethos where outcomes for all groups of students are outstanding.

To work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and strategic plans for the department which have coherence and relevance to the needs of students and to the aims, objectives and strategic plans of the School.

To lead and manage the business planning function of the department, and to ensure that the planning activities of the department reflect the needs of students within the subject area, SIP and the aims and objectives of the school.

To ensure that Health and Safety policies and practices, including Risk Assessments, throughout the Department are in-line with national requirements and are updated where necessary, therefore liaising with the School’s Health and Safety Manager.

To ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information concerning the department on the management information system.

To evaluate performance data provided and to identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports; setting deadlines where necessary and reviewing progress on the action taken.

To produce reports within the quality assurance cycle for the department.

To produce reports on examination performance, including the use of value-added data.

To provide the Local Governing Body with relevant information relating to the departmental performance and development.

To ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents of students.

To liaise with partner schools, higher education, industry, examination boards, awarding bodies and other relevant external bodies.

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Operational:

To provide regular updates on student progress through written reports and meetings with parents, including pastoral reintegration meetings, where appropriate.

To confidently know the progress and predictions of students with SEND.

To meet regularly with key pastoral staff to discuss and identify plans for specific students who may have additional needs.

To make referrals and liaise with professionals outside the school eg psychologists, health and social care providers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

To implement School Policies and Procedures, e.g. Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, etc.

To work closely with the exams officer and key staff to ensure access arrangements are in place and contribute to the auditing for JCQ.

Be available for consultation at Parents’ Evenings to provide information about targets, achievements and progress

To effectively line manage the SENDCo, and deploy teaching/support staff within curriculum support and across the school.

To undertake Appraisal(s) and to act as reviewer for a group of staff within the department.

To promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relations.

To be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the department and act as a positive role model.

To establish common standards of practice within the department and develop the effectiveness of teaching and learning styles within the department.

Identify appropriate resources to support students with SEND needs

To manage, with the support of SEND Administrator, the Annual Reviews for all EHCP students, the any applications for EHCPs for those students who you feel require it and to respond to EHCP placement consultations in the statutory timeframe.

To coordinate the team of specialists RFSS commission – Speech and Language Therapist, Specialist Teacher, Educational Psychologist and external intervention providers - to deliver support to students and staff.

To ensure that the Graduated Response of Assess Plan Do Review is being followed in order to support Students with SEND.

Monitor the school’s SEND Register ensuring it is up to date and reviewed regularly.

Outline strategies for key SEND students at safeguarding briefings and student spotlights

Develop effective communication with parents regarding provision for students identified on the SEND register

Supervise the work of the Inclusion team with regular reviews and meetings

Liaise with feeder and primary schools regarding SEND students to ensure continuity of support and continue to develop a robust transition plan for those students who need it.

Be available for consultation at Parents’ Evenings to provide information about targets, achievements and progress

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Curriculum & Quality First Teaching:

To work with Deputy Head of Quality of Education and Directors of Learning to ensure the development of appropriate curriculum, resources, schemes of work including the development of the Preparing for Adulthood courses and vocational courses on offer to support students with SEND.

To work closely with the Leadership Team, Heads of Department and Heads of Year to improve the progress and achievement of students with SEND across the school and to support students who are becoming disengaged, school refusing or at risk of exclusion.

To work with classroom teachers, the learning support team, parents and relevant external agencies to develop, implement and monitor individual support/learning plans.

To actively monitor and respond to curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels.

To support the school in ensuring the effective operation of quality control systems.

To establish the process of the setting of targets within the department and to work towards their achievement.

To contribute to the Quality Assurance processes for lesson observation.

To monitor and evaluate the curriculum area/department in line with agreed School procedures including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria.

To seek and implement modification and improvement where required.

To ensure that the department’s quality procedures meet the requirements of Self Evaluation and the Strategic Plan.

To participate in the School’s quality assurance cycle.

Ensure staff are aware of students in their classes who have a special educational need

Work with individual teachers and departments to raise awareness of teachers’ roles and statutory responsibilities in classroom teaching of students with special educational needs

Give specific advice regarding the individual learning needs of each student on the SEND register and identify appropriate approaches

Run or organise CPD regarding strategies for different areas of special educational needs

Contribute to the induction/training programme for NQTs and trainee teachers

Identify resources for use in school to support teaching and learning among students with special needs

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Staff Training

To help co-ordinate staff training on SEND issues so as to ensure first quality teaching. To play a key role in coaching and training staff, by modelling and sharing best practice. To exemplify and model best practice in your own teaching

To undertake and maintain safeguarding training and to work with the DSL and other safeguarding leads where necessary.

To participate in the school’s ITT programme.

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Interventions

Develop an intervention programme with the support of the Educational Psychologist and professionals. Ensure it is monitored for impact and to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions that are running.

To support the Literacy Coordinator and the Directors of Learning to run and develop the reading intervention programme and the intervention programme for the booster groups in Years 7 and 8 for Maths and English

Manage a referral system for students causing concern and gather relevant information from departments and subject teachers

Evaluate the help given prior to referral and then monitor and evaluate support put in place to ensure teaching supports individual needs

Modify and seek to continually improve provision in the light of evaluations

Ensure correct support is available to students with an EHCP, arranging review and transition meetings as necessary and annually reviewing progress

Implement and evaluate suitable support for students identified as being at the level of SEND Support, writing and registering an Individual Education Plan and apply for EHCPs as necessary

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Other Key Tasks

To prepare and deliver lessons according to school/departmental schemes of work

To mark and assess students’ work according to the school/departmental policies

To attend and contribute to relevant meetings

To play an active part in the long-term development of the Department

To play a full part in the allocated Head of Year Team – including carrying out duties as a form tutor, if appropriate

To play a full part in safeguarding students and contributing to their personal development and well-being

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Additional Duties

Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge students

establish a safe and stimulating environment for students, rooted in mutual respect

set goals that stretch and challenge students of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions

demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which are expected of students

Promote good progress and outcomes by students

Be accountable for students’ attainment, progress and outcomes

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Safeguarding

RugbyFreeSecondarySchoolis committedtosafeguardingand promotingthewelfareofchildren and young people and expects all staff to share this and the below commitments.

To ensure that all students have a safe environment in which they can learn, reporting any concern about the environment to a member of the site team or if appropriate to one of the Designated Safeguarding Leaders.

To be aware of systems which support safeguarding and following the procedures as highlighted in the Safeguarding Policy

To identify children who may benefit from early help as soon as possible and discuss this with one of the Designated Safeguarding Leaders

To consider at all times what is in the best interests of the child

To protect children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

To take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Checking of visitor identification, especially at the point of school entry and the issuing of relevant safeguarding information.

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Generic Responsibilities of all Rugby Free Secondary School Staff

To continue personal development as agreed

To engage actively in the appraisal process

To undertake any other duty as specified by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document not mentioned in the above

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task to be undertaken may not be identified.

Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description

Employees are expected to adhere to the School’s agreed Code of Conduct and set an example of personal integrity and professionalism

Ensure all tasks are carried out with due regard to Health and Safety

To remain confidential at all times

To adhere to the ethos of the school

To promote the agreed vision and aims of the school

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This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. The job description will be reviewed at least once a year and it may be subjected to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post.

If you feel that you could bring further impetus to our drive to improve the provision for our students and have the necessary energy, enthusiasm, and sense of humour to take us forward in this exciting curriculum area then please get in touch.

To arrange a visit to school or for an informal discussion with the Director of Learning or Headteacher, please call Megan Jones, Operations Manager, on 01788 222060 or email; Megan.jones@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

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This job description is current at the date shown but in consultation with the post holder may be changed by the Headteacher to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title. We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow (LT2) is committed to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. LT2 is always happy to receive speculative applications from excellent teachers and support staff.

The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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About Rugby Free Secondary School

• School type: Free School, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 976 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report (opens in new tab)
• School website: Rugby Free Secondary School website (opens in new tab)
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/rugby-free-secondary-school (opens in new tab)

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