Penkridge Middle School

Person Specification – SENDCO

Qualifications/Experience

Essential Desirable How evidenced

Qualifications Degree with Qualified Teacher Status.Specialist Mandatory Qualification as SENCO (including award pending within 12 months).

Degree with specialism in English, Maths or related subject. ApplicationCertification

Knowledge and recent experience

Successful experience in using a range of strategies and interventions for raising attainment of SEND and low attaining pupils.Evidence of dyslexia knowledge and teaching practices.Understanding of effective learning & teaching styles which promote good rates of progress for pupils with SEND & low attainment pupils.Knowledge of how the SEN Code of Practice and equalities legislation operates and how these apply to pupils with SEN, disabilities and conditions which slow their progress. Evidence of use of assessments for SEN and of translating policy into effective practice.Clear understanding of major new developments in SEN, related curriculum and educational research.Clear understanding of language, literacy and numeracy issues/barriers for pupils and how to improve them through innovation and enrichment as well as through the curriculum. Awareness of new developments in inclusive education including the use of new technologies.Awareness of alternative curriculum and engagement programmes.Evidence of working effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to improve outcomes for children.Data evidence which demonstrates teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom in current role.

Successful experience with children displaying a complex range of problems.Experience of productive placement and skilful management of specialist staff and resources.Experience of holding reviews, educational plan meetings and CAF meetings to establish successful outcomes and progress with children and families.An understanding of how examination/test dispensation is linked to appropriate student support and progress.

Application/interview/References

Lesson observation

Communication skills

Able to communicate positively with a wide range of pupils & colleagues. Experience of using IT to good effect with pupils and to effectively manage administration/record-keeping.High levels of written and oral communications skills. Precision.

Innovative practice for engaging with the wider community in the context of supporting students with SEND.

Application/interview

Ability to learn Quick learner, able to be flexible and adapt to nature of initiatives – able to learn from mistakes and develop effective improvement plans for pupils.

Able to initiate new ways of working, to learn new processes and approaches to problem solving.

Interview/references

Organisation Able to work well in teams and embrace transformational change, take initiative and accept leadership opportunities with relish.Develop systems to support staff, including advising on intervention.Evidence of administrative competence.Efficient and well organised to operate reliable procedures.

Thorough and meticulous record-keeping. Application/interview/references

Personal qualities Excellent interpersonal skills, a robust and resilient character; able to reflect on performance and find solutions. Ability to take initiative,

Creativity in approach to learning and teaching techniques and their delivery.

Interview/references

& Interpersonal skills

motivate, inspire, develop and support others. Excellent leadership, management and organisational skills. Ability to think creatively and find alternative solutions to problems.Show a powerful commitment to continuous improvement and raising standardsAbility to lead a diverse team and delegate as necessary. Ability to manage pupils with behavioural issues and support others in doing so. Able to work at pace, bringing along colleagues, building strong teams and strives for the best.

Lesson observation

Working under pressure

Demonstrate the ability to judge when to make decisions and when to consult with others, including external agencies. Able to prioritise and complete work to deadlines, and lead students, staff, parents and others to resolve problems.Able to predict pressure points and plan ahead to manage these successfully.Ability to prioritise.

Application/interview/References

Positive attitude Positive, “can do” attitude and ability to present alternative solutions where appropriate. Warmth of personality and a nature that facilitates empathy rather than sympathy.Ability to use initiative, read trends and lead change.Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school

Application/interview/References

Professionalism Excellent attendance, personal presentation and punctuality.Commitment to the ethos of the school.Knowledge, awareness and application of safeguarding systems and professional “do’s and don’ts” e.g. in relation to social networking.Demonstrates polite, positive attitude, values and professional behaviour at all times.Treats pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position.

References

Use of data Ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of a wide range of data to inform planning.Able to monitor performance and challenge underperformance in relation to pupils and staff.Knows and understands how to assess the relevant subject and curriculum areas, including statutory assessment requirements.Uses formative and summative assessment to secure pupils’ progress;Uses relevant data to monitor progress, set targets, and plan subsequent lessons.Gives pupils regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking, encouraging pupils to respond to the feedback.

An understanding and demonstration of how SEND progress is linked to pupil data.

Application/interview

Teaching Promotes a love of learning and children’s intellectual curiosityAble to display outstanding skills in developing teaching for SEND with clear differentiation to meet the needs of pupils.Evidence of consistently good and outstanding teaching practice.

Evidence of effective coaching and improving the teaching of others.

Interview/References

Training A willingness to participate in, lead and to develop high quality CPD activities.

Training in classroom management strategies & training in use of assessment data to accelerate & monitor progress.

Application/interview/References

Physical capability Physical stamina appropriate to the needs of the post. Physically capable of engaging in a range of activities with pupils. Interview/References