What are we looking for?

TCHC is seeking a dedicated and qualified SEND Manager to join our 16-25 education team, playing a crucial role in supporting our learners and centres with High Needs (EHCPs) and Special Educational Needs (SEN). This position will be based at our head office in Watford, strategically located to facilitate support for our ten education centres in Watford, Ipswich, Dunstable, Peterborough, Basildon, Thurrock, Medway, and Kent.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a positive impact and possesses exceptional organisational and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be prepared to travel to our various centres as needed to ensure effective collaboration and support for our learners.

Qualifications & Experience

• National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• English and maths GCSE A-C or 4-9 or Functional skills level 2 in both
• Leaderships and management qualification (desirable)
• Specialised Training and Certifications:
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Courses and certified (CPD)

Experience

• Highley experienced of working with high needs young people
• Exceptional knowledge of ASD and what this may bring to individuals
• Worked within education (desirable would be 16 +)
• Experienced working with tutors/teachers for developing strategies to support and progress learners
• Management of small team
• Experience working with local authorities and coordinating EHCP reviews
• Exceptional knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the SEN & Inclusion policy.
• Provide strategic direction for the support of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Line manages the SEND administrator
• Lead the SEN support leads at each centre
• Ensure that support plans are implemented and regularly reviewed.
• Work closely with teaching staff to ensure they understand the needs of students with SEND and how to support them effectively.
• Provide training and support for staff on best practices in teaching and supporting students with SEND.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities related to special educational needs
• Monitor the progress and achievement of students with SEND to ensure they are making expected progress
• Evaluate the effectiveness of SEND support and make necessary adjustments to strategies and interventions
• Ensure that appropriate teaching materials and resources are available to support students’ needs, in collaboration with each centre
• Report on the performance and progress of students with SEND to senior management and the Board.
• Support centres in fostering an inclusive learning environment that encourages participation and engagement of all students
• Develop and implement strategies for managing challenging behaviours and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students
• Provide support in crisis situations, including coordinating with external agencies if necessary
• Support centre, when necessary, with EHCP reviews
• Support centres when needed with identifying id the centre can meet need if they are unsure and need specialist advice
• Conduct inclusion inspections at centres ensuring good practice towards learner’s progress is effective developing a plan of improvement if needed
• Work with the SEND administrator in monitoring funding processes
• Be part of any inspections TCHC receives
• Attend meetings where required with local authorities, parents and students
• Maintain up to date records, reports using TCHC’s systems

Awarding bodies/Funders/OFSTED

• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Be familiar with and research updates to qualification specifications and handbooks for subject quality assurance.
• Participate in OFSTED inspections as required.
• Be very familiar with key company policies.

Note: These responsibilities serve as an initial outline for the tasks that the post holder will initially be expected to perform. Changes may occur over time to accommodate evolving job requirements and adapt to shifting circumstances.

Furthermore, given the dynamic nature of our operational environment, it is crucial for individuals in these roles to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to travel to different work locations. This outline represents an initial plan and will be subject to periodic review as part of our Continuous Professional Development process.

Confidentiality

The individual in this role is responsible for upholding the confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, staff, and other stakeholders. Certain aspects of their work involve handling confidential information, which should not be disclosed to individuals outside the scope of their official duties. It is imperative that the post holder consistently always adheres to the provisions of the General Data Regulation Act.

Safeguarding, Prevent & Equal Opportunities

TCHC is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination for everyone. Our commitment extends to adhering to Safer Recruitment Policies, safeguarding practices, complying with the Prevent Duty, and advocating for the well-being of children, youth, and adults. In pursuit of our dedication, we will continuously enhance and refine our robust safeguarding processes and procedures, fostering a culture of safeguarding among our team members and volunteers.

Commitment to Safeguarding

TCHC is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All staff are expected to adhere to our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and the safeguarding responsibilities outlined in their job description.

We conduct Safer Recruitment Checks on all staff prior to confirming a start date, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. An online search of information within the public domain is conducted on all candidates who are invited to interview.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. The MOJ’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

Please see our Recruitment with Safer Recruitment Policy for further information, or get in touch on 01923698477 or [email protected]

Pre-employment checks

The company also conducts an internal online search on social media platforms in accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Should any pertinent information arise from this search, it will be discussed with the applicant as part of the recruitment process.

Please note that upon a successful job offer, the company performs digitalised right-to-work checks and initiates DBS applications through an external service provider. An enhanced DBS check, including the barred list, is mandatory for this role.