KS3 SENCO

Job description Job title: KS3 SENCO Grade: Salary dependent on qualifications and experience Hours / weeks: Full time Contract type: Permanent Reports to: SENDCO Responsible for: SEND provision across Years 7-9 and designated Learning Support Assistants Job purpose The KS3 SENCO will work closely with the SENCO to lead and coordinate high-quality SEND provision across Years 7-9. The postholder will have specific responsibility for ensuring that students with SEND in KS3 are appropriately identified, supported and monitored, and that effective provision and reasonable adjustments are in place to enable them to make progress. The KS3 SENCO will support the implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) process and the Academy’s wider approach to inclusion. Main responsibilities Lead and coordinate SEND provision across Years 7, 8 and 9 under the direction of the SENCO. Work closely with the SENCO, Heads of Year, Inclusion Team and teaching staff to ensure the needs of KS3 students with SEND are identified and supported. Oversee the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle for KS3 students receiving SEN Support. Manage and review KS3 Provision Plans and ensure that staff have clear and up-to-date information about students’ needs, provision and classroom strategies. Monitor the progress, attainment, attendance and engagement of KS3 students with SEND and identify where additional support is required. Coordinate and monitor targeted SEND interventions across KS3 and evaluate their impact. Support the achievement and progress of all KS3 students with SEND. Support the attendance and engagement of KS3 students with SEND, working collaboratively with pastoral staff and families where appropriate. Meet regularly with students to ensure their views are reflected in their provision and support. Build positive and professional relationships with parents/carers and act as a key point of contact for KS3 SEND matters. Liaise with external agencies and professionals as appropriate. Raise awareness of SEND and promote inclusive practice across the Academy. EHCPs and Statutory Responsibilities Work with the SENCO to ensure the Academy meets its statutory responsibilities towards students with SEND. Have a secure working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant SEND legislation. Support the SENCO with applications for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, including coordinating and gathering appropriate evidence. Support the SENCO with the implementation and monitoring of EHCP provision. Ensure that provision specified within Section F of KS3 students’ EHCPs is understood, monitored and delivered, escalating concerns to the SENCO where necessary. Contribute to and, where delegated by the SENCO, lead EHCP Annual Reviews for KS3 students. Respond to Local Authority consultations as directed by the SENCO and within statutory timescales. Maintain accurate SEND records and ensure relevant documentation is completed within required timescales. Liaise with Local Authority officers and external professionals as appropriate. Access Arrangements Work alongside the SENCO and Exams Officer to identify KS3 students who may require Access Arrangements. Coordinate the gathering of teacher evidence to establish students’ normal way of working. Support the implementation and monitoring of appropriate classroom adjustments and assessment arrangements. Ensure agreed adjustments are routinely used in lessons and internal assessments so that normal way of working can be appropriately evidenced. Support the SENCO with screening and assessment processes for Access Arrangements where appropriately qualified to do so. Maintain accurate records and evidence to support future Access Arrangement applications. Develop staff understanding of Access Arrangements, including the importance of establishing a normal way of working. Ensure staff understand that Access Arrangements should not be promised to students or parents before the appropriate evidence and assessment processes have been completed. Work with the SENCO and Exams Officer to ensure practice is consistent with current JCQ regulations. Transition Take a lead role in SEND transition from Year 6 into Year 7. Liaise with primary schools to gather relevant SEND information and ensure appropriate support is in place for students joining the Academy. Attend or contribute to transition meetings for students with significant SEND where appropriate. Work with students and families to support a successful transition into secondary school. Ensure relevant information is communicated effectively to teaching and support staff before students start. Support transition between KS3 year groups and preparation for KS4. Teaching, Learning and Intervention Promote high-quality adaptive teaching as the first response to SEND. Work with teachers to identify barriers to learning and appropriate strategies to support individual stud