Core Purpose

• To co-ordinate, manage and facilitate learning in the Learning Support department, supporting individuals and groups of students as well as delivering interventions 

• To work with the SENCO to oversee the teaching, learning, progress and behaviour of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Have an understanding of the SEND Code of Practice 

• Provide academic interventions and pastoral support to students who have specific learning difficulties to help meet their needs in the context of the unique curriculum pathways that they are following

• Devise learning passports for students and support them with their individual learning programmes as directed by the SENCO

• Devise efficient and effective programmes of support to meet their needs in the context of the unique curriculum pathways that they are following

• Communicate with parents updating them on their child’s progress and plans for next steps

• Contribute towards the development of appropriate support materials and resources as required by learners or curriculum staff 

• Manage the deployment of the team of learning support practitioners to deliver an effective range of interventions and support, both in the learning support room and across the wider school 

• Liaise with the pastoral team to oversee and manage the learning and  reintegration of students who need reasonable adjustments to complete school consequences. 

• Develop, prepare, manage and review the resources used by the learning support team, particularly with regards to the range of interventions needed for students who require support with their regulation 

• Develop, support and deliver staff training programmes 

• Liaise with the Heads of Year and play a leading role with the Pastoral Support Plan process, reviewing the effectiveness of actions and progress made

• Develop and lead small group learning and holistic interventions 

• Work with teachers to support students with the work and learning set 

• Liaise with pastoral staff to provide daily provision and support for identified students

• Provide feedback and encouragement to students, nurturing a positive and purposeful environment for learning

• Use the school’s Positive Behaviour for Learning procedures and record information on Arbor to ensure a constructive and positive environment

• Report, as appropriate, using the school’s agreed referral procedures, on safeguarding and the behaviour of students during learning support lessons and interventions

• To participate in training and other learning activities and in performance management and development as required by the school’s policies and practices

• Encourage and maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and establish positive and purposeful relationships with all stakeholders

• Continuously strive to improve own development through CPDL and attending appropriate training courses

• Motivate, encourage and support all members of the department in their professional development

2. Leadership of the Learning Support Department, supporting the SENCO in their role

• Support the SENCO to ensure that all new members of the department are appropriately trained, supported, and effectively inducted into the department

• Act as a role model of good classroom practice for Learning Support Practitioners by implementing high quality teaching and learning. Encourage staff to discuss developing ideas  to enhance the provision for students with SEND

• Implement and develop best practice to build on existing processes and systems, working closely with SENCO

• Develop a whole school approach to inclusive practice, working in partnership with internal staff and other specialists to ensure support is consistently of a high standard

Our Vision

At the Danes Educational Trust we are committed to ‘Making the Difference Together’ sharing best practice and supporting each other to be the very best we can be.

Core Values

The post holder is expected to share our commitment to our core values:

• We value joy in working, teaching and learning together

• We encourage everyone within our Trust to feel optimistic about the future and how they can shape it

• We support all individuals in developing resilience to enable them to respond to change and grow as a result

• We value and support the wellbeing of all individuals who learn and work in our schools

• We provide equality of opportunity and experience for all

• We provide a safe and secure learning environment for all

Compliance

The post holder is required to be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection; health and safety; confidentiality; and data protection and report all concerns to an appropriate person.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts.

Additional Information

All staff are required to participate in training and other learning activities and in performance management and development as required by the Trust’s policies and practices.

This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of the Trust.

The particular duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or responsibilities entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and would not justify a re-evaluation of the post. However, in cases where a permanent and substantial change in the duties and responsibilities of the post occurs, consistent with a higher level of responsibility, then the post would be eligible for re-evaluation.

Supervision/Job Context

The post holder is managed by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

Contacts

The post holder will work with staff, students, parents and other external agencies as appropriate.