SENCO

About this Role Our school is proud to be part of Anthem Schools Trust, who together create ambitious and successful schools where every child thrives. Through the Trust, we provide high-quality professional development, coaching and leadership opportunities. This includes a number of specialist Trust-wide roles that offer talented teachers and leaders the opportunity to develop in their career and make an even bigger difference to children and young people. Located in South Oxfordshire, Abbey Woods caters for approximately 170 pupils, aged 3 to 11. It is situated in beautiful and spacious grounds, and we are an easy commute from the surrounding towns such as Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford, along with good transport links to Oxford and Reading. We are very proud of our small friendly school, we aim for high standards and outstanding achievement in a creative and fun environment. We encourage children to be successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. The emotional wellbeing of every child is also an essential part of our ethos. We nurture and help our children to learn how to be happy, enjoy meaningful relationships with family and friends, and live their lives without fear or worry. Job purpose To lead, manage, develop and maintain high quality special educational needs provision which enables quality teaching, excellent learning outcomes and success for all pupils. Overall responsibilities The SENCo, under the direction of the Headteacher, will: Determine the strategic development of special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) policy and provision in the school Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEND policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability (SEND) Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies Main duties Strategic direction and development of SEND provision in the school With the support of, and working with, the Headteacher / Senior Leadership Team (SLT) the SENCo will: Contribute to a positive and inclusive whole school ethos that promotes excellent outcomes for pupils with SEND Ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, Children’s Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 Develop a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEND across the school, in line with the Anthem Trust Education and Inclusion strategies, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision Ensure the Anthem Trust SEND policy is implemented effectively within the school Develop, implement and monitor strategic SEND plans that are reflected in the Academy Improvement Plan Support all staff in understanding the needs of pupils with SEND Liaise with staff, parents, external agencies and other schools or settings to co-ordinate their contribution, provide maximum support and ensure continuity of educational provision for pupils with SEND Evaluate whe