Secondary SENDCo

Lead Practitioner: SENDCO (Lead Practitioner scale points 13 - 15) - SECONDARY PHASE

Required for September 2025 (or earlier if possible)

Thank you for your enquiry about the post of SENDCo in the Dunraven Educational Trust (DET). Based at Dunraven, the school’s aim is “Excellence for All” and the Trustees wish to appoint a candidate of significant ability and enthusiasm, aware of and stimulated by the challenges and potential of a successful multi-ethnic co-educational school and keen to share in the leadership of our All Through Provision.

DUNRAVEN EDUCATIONAL TRUST OVERVIEW

Dunraven Educational Trust was established in 2016. DET is a trust committed to one overarching aim: excellence for and from everyone. This is an expectation for both the children and adults in a school community. It is achieved in a variety of ways according to the context of each school but within the clear framework established by the Trust.

We want an educational experience which provides excellence for - and expects it from - everyone. We know that this is best achieved in a school where:

• the offer is broad, balanced, inclusive, enriching and effective in meeting the needs of young people;
• staff and students are supported and challenged to be the best versions of themselves;
• relationships are positive, well established and healthy;
• practice is based on evidence and underpinned by the notion that ‘we can always do better’.

We are clear that this supports the development of children and young people (and adults) who are: resilient, courteous, optimistic, hardworking, self-disciplined, enthusiastic and creative.

DUNRAVEN SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Dunraven School’s results are strong, remaining well above national averages and representing positive ‘value-added’. Recognition of its marked progress has been significant and its journey as a school is important to us. For example:

• in February 2011 we were designated as both a National Support School and a Leading Edge School;
• in August 2011, we converted to Academy status;
• in 2012 we began our development as an All Through School with children starting in Reception in September 2013;
• in summer 2013 our £20 million BSF programme was completed;
• in 2016 we were designated as a National Teaching School and an Academy Sponsor. The Dunraven Educational Trust was established;
• in September 2018, our Multi Academy Trust was formally set up with the integration of Van Gogh Primary, followed by Goldfinch Primary school in January 2019 and The Elmgreen School and Rosendale Primary School in September 2021
• In April 2023 we were judged as Good with Outstanding Features (Sixth Form and Personal Development) by Ofsted.
• If you are successful in your application, you will share in the leadership and management of a staff who are
• hard working, committed, positive in outlook and dedicated to the achievement of our students. We offer:
• a high standard of professional practice, with bespoke in-house CPD provision, and affiliation to nationally recognised courses and providers (SSAT, Teaching Leaders, Future Leaders, NPQs);
• clear pathways for career development and progression with a proven track-record of success in developing leaders;
• a supportive and collegiate environment, with regular staff social and sporting activities (such as yoga, football and House events);
• excellent opportunities for leading work with external partners (National Support School, National Teaching School);
• a culture of high trust and accountability that values creativity and innovation, leading practice locally and nationally in a range of fields.

We value our diversity as a school and encourage applications from candidates representative of our whole school community. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds for this role.

Further details about the post and how to apply can be found on our recruitment pages on eteach. We look forward to receiving your application.

The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Monday, 31st March, 2025

Interviews are currently planned for Thursday, 3rd April, 2025

Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check is a condition of employment for all employees.

Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check is a condition of employment for all employees.

Lead Practitioner: SENDCO

The remit of the role has responsibility for the support of students with Special Educational Needs at Dunraven Secondary School as part of the Dunraven All Through School. In addition, it encompasses leadership of the SEND team and contribution to the school teaching and learning strategy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be expected to have the following skills and knowledge:

• Experience of and understanding of the philosophy underpinning Special Educational Needs. Although you do not need to hold the SENCO qualification, working towards it will be essential.
• A thorough knowledge of Special Educational Needs particularly in relation to the new National Curriculum, GCSE, and 16-19 developments.
• An understanding of Special Educational Needs in the Primary Phase.
• The appropriate skills required to be an efficient and effective teacher and interest in developing this practice further.
• The ability to plan, organise, assess, monitor and evaluate effectively, and to maintain a stimulating learning environment. Knowledge of assessment including at Advanced Level.
• Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Effective skills in the use of ICT, particularly in relation to Inclusion.
• The skills required to be an effective form tutor.
• The ability to devise strategies for implementing policies leading to equality of opportunity.
• An understanding of and commitment to whole-school issues in a diverse school and the willingness to be involved in all aspects of the work of the department and to contribute to the wider life of the school.
• The potential to develop management and leadership qualities further.

S/he will be required to carry out the duties of a school teacher according to the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, and in the light of the school's changing needs. Job descriptions are reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation.

Candidates will be expected to make a brief presentation reflecting their understanding of the role and to teach a lesson.

Please note: Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. Safer recruitment checks will be completed as part of the recruitment process. Dunraven is a non-smoking environment.