Deputy Head of Academic Support

Springwell Alternative Academy; Cobham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Cobham is seeking a dedicated individual to support students with special educational needs and disabilities. The role involves assessing needs, providing specialized interventions, and working closely with academic staff to enhance pupil progress. Ideal candidates will have relevant teaching qualifications and a strong understanding of specific learning difficulties. This position is ideal for someone passionate about fostering an inclusive educational environment and making a difference in the lives of young people.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of SEN and disabilities.
• High level of expertise in assessing and supporting young people.
• Ability to create inclusive teaching strategies.

Responsibilities

• Assist identification and provision for children with SEN.
• Evaluate impact of interventions on pupil progress.
• Provide specialist interventions and support as required.
• Liaise with academic staff to ensure support for pupils.
• Organise access arrangements and Annual Reviews.

Skills

Knowledge of specific learning difficulties

Assessment skills

Experience with children with disabilities

Effective teaching approaches for SEN

Ability to evaluate interventions

Education

Relevant teaching qualification

Job description

The Academic department provides information and advice to all teachers regarding pupils’ individual learning needs, as well as providing small group or one-to-one teaching for pupils who need additional support. The Department also carries out or arranges diagnostic assessments for pupils, where required. The Academic Support Department is also responsible for teaching pupils who have English as an additional language.

The role-holder is expected to have impressive knowledge and skills, a high level of expertise and experience of assessing and supporting young people with specific learning difficulties and pupils with disabilities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Academic Support with the identification, assessment and provision for all children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.
• To deputise for the Head of Academic Support if required.
• Supporting the Head of Academic Support with providing a strategic vision for the Department.
• Raising standards of SEN pupil inclusion, attainment and achievement by monitoring and supporting pupil progress.
• Advising staff with developing a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum to help SEN pupils succeed.
• Assess pupils through screening and individual testing, arranging for external specialist testing where necessary.
• Identify, research and adopt effective teaching approaches for pupils with SEN/SpLDS.
• Provide specialist interventions for pupils as required, through teaching of individuals and small groups (teaching may be both inside and outside curriculum lesson times).
• Liaise with all academic staff to identify targeted interventions for pupils who require additional support beyond whole-class teaching.
• Ensure all teachers are confident when teaching pupils with particular needs.
• Evaluate the impact of all interventions on pupil progress and report this information to Academic Staff.
• Analyse assessment data to inform interventions.
• Organise access arrangement provision, working closely with the Examinations Team.
• Arrange Annual Reviews for pupils with an EHCP.
• Assist in managing the SEN register and ensure records are maintained.
• Keep abreast of Government and JCQ guideline regulations and statutory regulations, update policies and processes as appropriate.
• Attend Open Mornings and Parents’ Evenings.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.
• Undertake such other comparable duties as the Headmaster requires from time to time.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application as soon as possible. The School reserves the right to interview and appoint before the closing date, should a suitable candidate present themselves.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.