Assistant Principal - SENCO
Longfield Academy, Longfield, Kent, DA3 7PH21 days remaining to apply
Start date details
April 2025
Closing date
21 February 2025 at 11:59pm
Date listed
30 January 2025
Job details
Job role
- SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Leadership scale commensurate with experience
What skills and experience we're looking for
From April 2025, we are seeking to appoint an experienced and qualified Assistant Principal - SENCO who, with the support of the Principal, Academy Leadership Team and the SEN department will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, SEN information report and provision made by the school for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The successful candidate will also work closely with staff, parents/carers and other agencies. The successful candidate will play a vital role as an Assistant Principal of the academy by guiding the strategic direction of our SEND provision. They will also work closely with staff, parents/carers and other agencies.
Longfield Academy has a high proportion of students with SEND. The number of students with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH) is more than three times the national average. Our Specialist provision, The Spectrum Centre, is recognised as a National Area of Excellence. The role of our Assistant Principal - SENCO is therefore crucial in ensuring that our inclusive values are upheld and all our students are making excellent academic progress whilst developing the skills required to contribute effectively in a democratic society. The successful candidate must have a legitimate passion for SEND and must have the motivation to take our excellent SEND provision to the next level.
A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is necessary, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm, as nearly everyday we experience something new for the first time. It is essential that our Assistant Principal - SENCO has a positive outlook, is supportive of others and openly shares best practice, modelling this constantly to the growing staff body. They will need to embrace a forward thinking approach to raising standards in teaching for SEND, implementing a high quality intervention programme and working with SE London and Kent teams to ensure we are doing the absolute best for our most vulnerable students at all times.
The role of Assistant Principal - SENCO can be highly rewarding, as you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to pupils receiving the support they need to achieve their full potential.
We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:
- an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
- a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
- confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
- able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
- approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
- able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.
What the school offers its staff
We understand that each student has different learning needs and experiences, but they must always have the same opportunities. Longfield Academy’s goal is to always act quickly to identify undiagnosed needs and always support students with SEND needs. Our digital curriculum, which includes Chromebooks for students and an incredible team of teaching assistants, has removed barriers for children, laying the groundwork for this successful approach. We make every effort to ensure students with SEND thrive and grow in confidence alongside the rest of our community.
Further details about the role
Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.
On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Christine Goodwin (PA to Principal) -christine.goodwin@longfieldacademy.org. Visits will be offered and hosted by the Principal, Dr Felix Donkor. Please ensure you offer Christine a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.
Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the Principal about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Christine Goodwin (as above) in the first instance.
Application closing date: Friday 21st February 2025
Shortlisting date: Monday 24th February 2025
Interview date: Wednesday 26th February 2025
If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor) on01634 412 245 or charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk.
The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.
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.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs are not accepted.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Longfield Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 998 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report (opens in new tab)
- School website
- Longfield Academy website (opens in new tab)
- Email address
- joinus@latrust.org.uk
Arranging a visit to Longfield Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.
School location
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