Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

The Post 

The College is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated and empathetic SENCO to lead and manage our Learning Support Department. The post holder will work closely with the pastoral and curriculum managers to provide direct support to students with their learning needs.

A high level of emotional intelligence is essential, along with effective organisational and communication skills. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the College meets all statutory obligations in relation to SEND and will be expected to deal with sensitive and challenging situations as a fundamental part of the role. 

The post is available from 1 September 2024 on a permanent basis. The post is available full-time or part-time (approximately 80%) across a minimum of four days per week. The post holder is expected to work term-time only, plus one week (40 weeks per year). The additional week will be agreed by the Line Manager subject to the needs of the College and may be utilised throughout the year or as individual days. It is expected that the post holder will be present for the periods surrounding assessment results days to provide information, advice and guidance and to answer any queries. The post holder may take this time off in lieu during the academic year in agreement with the Line Manager and the Principal. 

The post holder will be required to work hours outside of the College day for the performance of the duties. The Principal or their delegate will communicate to you what those hours will be in advance. These may include, but are not limited to, events such as Open Evenings, student interviews and transition activities which may fall on days the post holder is not normally required to work. The post holder will receive time off in lieu for these additional hours. 

Our ideal person will have experience working as a SENCO within a college or secondary school. The post holder must be willing to undertake practical First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications. 

The post holder must currently hold or be working towards obtaining a DfE approved SENCO qualification, such as The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENC). 

The College

With an exceptional reputation both locally and nationally, Reigate College focuses on excellent teaching, learning and support to make it one of the best sixth form colleges in the country. The College is a great place to work and study, with an active, inclusive, and supportive community ethos at the heart of everything it does. For more information on what it is like to work at Reigate College, please visit: www.reigate.ac.uk/job-vacancies/reigate-college-overview. 

The Learning Support Department 

The College has a large and experienced team of Learning Facilitators and a Deputy SENCO, who provide direct support to students. The Department is also responsible for assessing Access Arrangements and has a team of experienced staff coordinating these aspects. The Department is based in the Student Support Hub in the Priory Building. The Hub is an open access area that students can drop in to at any time. The area is shared with the Student Mentoring Team, who provide practical guidance to students in managing their time and workload. 

The post holder will work closely with teaching staff, curriculum managers and the pastoral team to ensure students with SEND are fully supported in their studies.

Salary 

The full-time starting salary for this post is between £48,143 and £50,348, progressing on bi-annual increments up to £53,636. 

Applying 

Applicants are asked to complete and return the enclosed application form to the Personnel Department by email to jobs@reigate.ac.uk as soon as possible, but no later than 9.00am on Monday 20 May 2024. 

The selection process will be held on Thursday 23 May 2024. Applicants must be available on this date for consideration. 

When completing their application, candidates are asked to indicate:

·       Why you wish to apply for the post

·       Any experience you have of working as a SENCO

·       Any experience you have of providing support to 16–19-year-olds

·       Any experience you have of working with young people

·       Any relevant qualifications you have relating to the role

·       Any experience you have of working as part of a team

·       Any other relevant experience relating to the post

·       Whether you wish to apply for the post full-time or part-time (approximately 80% across a minimum of 4 days) 

Reigate College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. These posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on successful applicants including an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note that it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The college will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance.