Support
The Role and the SEND Department:
At Balshaw’s our approach to Inclusion and Inclusivity is at the heart of all that we do. This comes from our distinctively Christian values, our status as a School of Sanctuary and from our commitment to educate all students to reach their God-given potential.
Anyone working in education knows that there has been a huge growth in Special Needs and the number of students who have EHCPs or other diagnosed SEN. At Balshaw’s we have an incredibly strong SEND department led by an experienced SENDCO who is also an AHT. She is supported in her role by a SEND administrative assistant and a large team of highly experienced, committed and long-standing Teaching Assistants.
Outcomes and attendance for SEND students at Balshaw’s are stronger than national and we are closing the gap in performance of SEND and non-SEND. This year SEND students have outperformed non-SEND students.
Success isn’t easily won and we are constantly seeking ways to perform better. The demands placed upon SENDCOs are greater all the time and inclusion is the golden thread that runs through successful schools.
For this reason, Balshaw’s seeks an enthusiastic and well-organised individual who is passionate about making a difference to young people who understands the constraints with the SEND system and who has experience of working with SEND students or in education to be Assistant to our SENCO. Ideally you may be a member of NASEND, hold an NPQ-SEND or have experience as a specialist teacher.
In this role, you will work closely alongside the SENDCO, providing day-to-day support to help ensure the effective operation of the SEND department and the best possible outcomes for students with additional needs. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines direct work with students and families, coordination of SEND provision and support for the wider running of the department.
A significant part of the role will involve building positive relationships with students, parents and carers. You will lead and organise Individual Learning Plan (ILP) review meetings for students on the Additional Needs Register, attend meetings with families, support transition arrangements for vulnerable Year 6 pupils joining the school, and contribute to meetings for students whose needs are emerging or who may require additional assessment and support.
Working under the direction of the SENDCO, you will assist with the oversight of provision for students on SEND Support, helping to monitor progress, coordinate interventions and ensure that support remains effective and responsive to need. You will play a key role in the creation and review of Pupil Passports, ensuring that staff have access to accurate and up-to-date information to support students effectively in the classroom.
The successful candidate will help coordinate and monitor interventions across the school, working closely with the Teaching Assistant team to ensure that support is delivered consistently and that its impact is measured. You will also deliver targeted interventions directly to students where appropriate, support the coordination and oversight of access arrangements, ensuring that approved arrangements are implemented effectively and records remain up to date, and support the development of inclusive practice across the school.
You will liaise regularly with external agencies and professionals, assist with referrals and information gathering, support annual review processes and contribute to the smooth running of the department's administrative and operational systems. As part of the wider SEND team, you will also support the work of our SEND Regulation Room and Pastoral Pathways Provision and help ensure that students receive the right support at the right time.
This role has been created in recognition of the growing demands on SEND provision nationally and the importance that Balshaw's places on inclusion. The Assistant SENDCO will work as a key member of our SEND team, supporting students, families and staff while enabling the SENDCO to focus on statutory duties, strategic development and whole-school inclusion.
The closing date is 12.00 noon on Thursday 26th November.
Other Information
Applications should be marked for the attention of Mr S Haycocks, Headteacher and emailed to applications@balshaws.org.uk by 12 noon on Thursday 26th November.