SENCO with teaching commitment

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic development of SEN policy and provision

Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEND, across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision in line with the values and ethos of the school.

Contribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEND, ensuring that all pupils aim to achieve high standards and teaching strategies implemented are effective in supporting all children

Ensure the SEND policies are put into practice, and that the objectives of this policy are reflected in the school improvement plan

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives which may affect the school’s policies and practice.

Evaluate the impact of intervention and inclusion practices as to whether funding is being used effectively, and propose changes to make use of funding more effective

Operation of the policies and co-ordination of provision

Maintain an accurate SEND and CLA register and provision maps

Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching SEND pupils

Ensure effective use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deployment.

Manage opportunities for the provision in the local offer

Work with other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies

Be a key point of contact for external agencies, including the local authority

Be a key point of contact for parents and carers acting as a link between the class teacher and parent body

Analyse assessment data for specific groups of pupils and hold teachers accountable

Implement and lead intervention groups for SEND pupils, and evaluate their effectiveness

Work with other SENCOs across the Trust to ensure best practice trust wide

Support for SEND pupils

Identify a pupil’s SEND

Coordinate provision that meets the needs of SEND and groups of pupils, monitoring its effectiveness

Secure relevant services for pupils

Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date

Review the education, health and care (EHC) plan with parents or carers and the pupil

Communicate regularly with parents or carers

Ensure that if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to it, and support a smooth transition for the pupil

Promote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities

Monitor the progress of SEND, CLA and PP pupils, interpreting assessment data.

Undertake a teaching commitment of 2 days per week, delivering high-quality teaching and modelling excellent inclusive practice.

Leadership and Management

Work with the headteacher and governors to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangements

Prepare and review information the governing board is required to publish

Contribute to the school improvement plan and whole-school policy

Identify training needs for staff and how to meet these needs

Lead INSET for staff to disseminate key messages and training for all staff

Hold teachers to account on their statutory responsibilities to pupils with special or inclusive needs including pupil progress

Promote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEND policies and promotes good outcomes for all pupils.

Champion an inclusive culture where every child is valued and supported to succeed.

The SENCO will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Work in close partnership with the Head of ARP to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to SEND and specialist provision across the school.

Develop strong communication and collaborative working practices between mainstream and ARP provision to promote consistency, inclusion and positive outcomes for all pupils.

Work alongside the Head of ARP to monitor pupil progress, evaluate the impact of provision and identify priorities for development.

Professional Standards and Quality Assurance

Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance

Attend and participate in open evenings and student performances as requested by the Headteacher

Keep yourself fully appraised and informed on recent legislative and policy changes, making reasonable adjustments to practise in school

Ensure the highest standards of professional conduct, integrity, loyalty, discretion and confidentiality at all times

Ensure the development of collaborative practice and a team culture to ensure that leadership practices are effective and all team members are demonstrating loyalty and integrity

Maintain contact with external bodies including the Great Learners Trust and SEND advice clinics locally

Undertake any professional responsibilities/duties which may be delegated from time to time by the Headteacher and/or Governing Body

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the SENCO will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher