The Role

Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse yet connected schools, spanning sixteen different countries. We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed. With over 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia, we employ 15,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 75,000 students.

We have an exciting position for a SENCO & Wellbeing Lead, reporting into the Headteacher, playing an integral role in determining the strategic development of SEN policy and provision in the school. Please note: This is an onsite role and candidates must be situated in the Gosfield, Halstead, Essex, area to commute to schools as required.

St Margaret’s Prep is seeking a full-time Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Wellbeing Lead. The successful candidate will have the talent, enthusiasm, energy and love of learning required to get the best from motivated and delightful children who are taught in small classes. They will also demonstrate the flexibility and commitment that is the hallmark of St Margaret’s staff.

The SENCO has day-today responsibility for the operation of SEN policy and coordination of specific provision made to support and to include individual pupils with SEN or Disability, including those on whom the LA maintains Statements of SEN/EHC plans including Annual Reviews. The SENCO provides professional guidance to colleagues and will work closely with staff, parents and other agencies. The SENCO should be aware of the provision and be able to work with professionals providing a support role to families to ensure that pupils with SEN receive appropriate support and high quality teaching.The SENCO is required to follow the most recent government Code of Practice for SEN or Disability.

Please note this role is based within St Margaret’s Preparatory School

Key Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEN policy
• Co-ordinating provision for children with SEN and keeping it under regular review
• Delivery of 1:1 and small group intervention sessions
• Liaising with and advising fellow teachers, including coordinating the provision of support from any Learning support Assistants and contributing to the provision of high quality differentiated and personalised teaching through in-service training for staff
• Liaising with the relevant Designated Teacher where a looked after pupil has SEN, including contributing to the Personal Education Plan Advising on the graduated approach to providing SEN support
• Advising on the deployment of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils needs effectively, including any LA top up/high needs funding Liaising with parents/carer(s) of pupils with SEN
• Liaising with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and independent or voluntary bodies
• Being a key point of contact with external agencies, especially the local authority and its support services Liaising with potential next providers of education to ensure a pupil and their parents are informed about options and a smooth transition is planned
• Working with the Headteacher and school governors to ensure that the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010) with regard to reasonable adjustments and access arrangements ensuring that the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEN up to date and transfers SEN or Disability records to next schools/institutions accordingly
• Operating at all times within the terms of the school’s admissions policy for SEN or Disability, including the publication of the accessibility plan Maintenance of effective record keeping systems accordingly and overseeing all the records of children with SEN or Disability
• Maintain a culture of high expectations that expects those working with children and young people with SEN or disabilities to include them in all the opportunities available to other children so they learn, participate and achieve the best possible outcomes
• Ensure any EYFS practitioners review children’s progress and share a summary with parents. It is the responsibility of the SENCO to manage any EAL children in school

Wellbeing Lead

• Ensuring every pupil has a happy day at school is central to our ethos. This role provides wellbeing support and expertise to class teachers and directly to pupils and parents where appropriate.
• The post holder is supported by a TA in the delivery of SEN and wellbeing provision

PSHEE Lead

• Subject lead for PSHEE and classroom teaching of PSHEE, and potentially other subjects, to a number of Prep classes, subject to discussion.
• To take responsibility for the delivery of the RSE curriculum.

Deputy DSL

• To work with the safeguarding team

About You

The successful candidate will have the talent, enthusiasm, energy and love of learning required to get the best from motivated and delightful children who are taught in small classes. They will also demonstrate the flexibility and commitment that is the hallmark of St Margaret’s staff.

Previous Experience Must Include:

• Experience in teaching, SEN and Wellbeing
• A proven outstanding SENCO Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with parents.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent pastoral care.
• A passionate commitment for wanting the best outcomes for our pupils.
• Qualified Teacher Status or appropriate level of experience and certification
• Well organised, creative and innovative A willingness to become involved in the wider life of the School. Excellent self / time management

Benefits Package

Here at Cognita we offer a Competitive Salary with some other benefits:

• Our salary matches the State ‘M’ Scale
• Eye tests
• Pension Scheme
• School fees discount (conditions apply)
• My Staff Shop
• Cognita Care and Wellbeing
• Staff tea/coffee
• Lunch provided daily (term time only)

Diversity and Inclusion
We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair, inclusive and equitable in our recruitment process.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.