SENCO Outreach Lead

Job Description

Job Title: SENCO & Return To Learn ManagerReports to: Head of Wellbeing/Executive Head TeacherContract Type: Full time, permanentLocation: Bishops Stortford Head OfficeOur SchoolWhite Trees Independent School is a specialist provider of educational services for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. We pride ourselves on delivering a nurturing environment which supports our pupils’ needs, enabling them to experiencea rounded and balanced education.Open for Business Since 2013We are based in Hertfordshire and we originally opened in 2013 for 6 pupils. This has since grown to take 38 pupils and from one site to two. This makes us an especially important part of the White Trees Group which we plan to grow in parallel with the housingand residential expansion, plus, the local area authority needs, to accommodate more pupils.Return To Learn / OutreachReturn To Learn is a service which provides support to pupils who have barriers to education. The concept behind this service is to provide pupils, at any stage in their life/school career, with the opportunity to undertake intense support/psychologicalassessments/academic assessments which will then help support SEN caseworkers when approaching appropriate provisions in seeking appropriate school placements for them. More than often SEN are having to use out of date information when approaching schoolsto seek placements – which does not paint an accurate picture of the pupils needs. This then makes it difficult for pupils to be placed into the most appropriate provision that is most suitable for them. This service is available for all pupils, not justthose who have EHCP’s – this service can be used to support professionals when applying for an EHCNA, providing vital evidence to help support the application. Pupils can be on roll with a school already who need extra support, or pupils who might not be onroll with a school can access this service. Pupils might have a space in a school but not until the next term, therefore needing extra support whilst they are out of school – with the service supporting the transition into their new school if required. Pupilsmight also be able to transition into White Trees Independent School if it is appropriate. All pupils will have an annual review, if they have an EHCP, at the end of their 12-week programme. There are plans to have 7 pupils on the RTL programme from September– December 2023, with a growth plan in place to grow the service over the next few years.Main Purpose of the RoleThe SENCO will foster and uphold the values as set out by White Trees Group strategic direction in line with the Building Brighter Futures Framework. The main purpose of the SENCO/ Outreach Lead is to ensure that the pupils on the programme are supportedaccordingly, holding annual reviews at the end of the pupils 12-week programme, providing the Local Authorities with key documentation/reports. The SENCO/Manager would be responsible for managing a small team of outreach youth workers/tutors. The SENCO isalso required to contribute and be involved in extracurricular activities and the wider life of the organisational community.Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership for SEND for pupils accessing RTL
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the RTL programme each cohort
• Ensure White Trees is at the forefront of learning in the use of innovative, effective and evidenced based teaching and learning practices SEND
• Manage small team of staff
• Manage fleet of cars – liaising with head office if there are maintenance issues
• Performance manage/induction of staff
• Support pupils accessing learning opportunities in an off-site environment, utilising our Classroom in a van, zoo’s, libraires, our forest learning environments/sites etc
• Hold daily morning briefings with the team and end of day de-briefs.
• Demonstrate critical understanding of developments in SEND
• Observe and/Co Teach with staff to provide exemplary model of effective SEND support practices
• Plan and deliver SEND specific training and development as part of CPD programme through Mentoring and Face to Face Workshops and external opportunities
• Ensure all SEND documentation is of the highest standard and updated as required
• Facilitate Annual Reviews of EHCP for all pupils at the end of each 12 week cohort
• Support the Executive Head in placing pupils for each cohort
• Work with all staff to ensure all pupils learning is of equal importance and that there are high and realistic expectations of pupils
• Attend weekly Leadership meetings
• Attend PEPs/professionals meetings for pupils on RTL providing updates
• Advise on the graduated approach to providing SEND support
• Liaise with parents and caregivers of pupils
• Liaise with the Local Authorities, potential next providers of education to ensure a pupil and their parents are informed about options and a smooth transition is planned
• Liaise with the Head of Wellbeing when looking to access external services for the pupils, e.g. consultations with our Educational Psychologist etc.
• Ensure pupils leave with their personalised portfolio of evidence for Local Authorities which contains all vital documentation/reports
• DSL level 3 trained
• Support & drive staff using systems in place
• Create & ensure pupils ILP’s are written and maintained on the 12-week programme

Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils by:

Actively develop knowledge and understanding of the Building Brighter Futures Framework and incorporate this into learning objectives and learning outcomes. Establishing a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, ingrained in mutual respect&nbs

Keyskills :
QTS SENCO SEMH Return to learn Outreach Lead