Job Description
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Lead Practitioner SEND/SEMH/DSL
Required for: Autumn 2021
Salary Range: Leadership scale
The HEARTS Academy Trust seeks applications for a lead practitioner who will act as the Trust lead SENDco, DSL and SEMH lead.
We are seeking to appoint a Lead Practitioner who will lead our approach to the curriculum, provision and the wellbeing of our pupils with special educational needs. They will also be the lead DSL for the Trust and manage our approach to social, emotional and the mental health of pupils alongside the leaders of our enhanced provision, The Atrium.
HEARTS Academy Trust is a small, growing Academy Trust committed to achieving great outcomes for all of its pupils but in particular the most vulnerable. It has established high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff.
This is a unique and exciting role; a real opportunity to join an energetic, bright and determined central school improvement team. The successful candidate will work across our academies based in Rochford, Basildon and Wickford. They will be the lead SENDco / DSL for the family of schools supporting all schools in developing best practice in these vital areas of safeguarding and pupil additional needs.
The person we are seeking to appoint will be dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated in developing the life chances of our young people through inspirational and successful teaching, high expectations and support and care.
In the initial two terms of the post the successful candidate will work part of the week at two of our Wickford schools to support newly appointed SENDcos.
The post is line managed by the Director of curriculum, learning and assessment but will have significant interaction with heads of school and school SENDcos.
The HEARTS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
HEARTS Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the grounds ofgender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. For this reason, all application forms are anonymised before shortlisting takes place to ensure applicants are considered only on the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that are profiled on the application form and personal statement.
Information about the School
HEARTS is a small innovative Academy Trust of six primary schools and an alternative provision for pupils with SEMH challenges. All provisions are based in the south of Essex. Our values are central to all that we do. We work tirelessly to ensure that happiness and hope, self-esteem, achievement, respect and responsibility, truth, spirituality and service are embedded into the curriculum. Our pupils are well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the challenges offered to them. These values are at the heart of all we do and fundamental to our working relationships as well as our pupils' learning. We have high expectations of our employees and offer support and continued development opportunities for all. We expect our employees to live the HEARTS values in their work and relationships with other employees and the community.
The Trustees are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, medical check, prohibited from teaching check and references. References are taken up prior to interview. A copy of the trusts Child Protection Policy is available on our website:- https://www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk/policies
We can offer you:
access to the HEARTS Extra Programme (Rewards and Benefits)
an excellent CPD entitlement with purposeful training, including trust-wide twilights throughout the year
a two-week October half-term
supportive colleagues who want to provide the best possible opportunities for their pupils
a highly effective learning environment
a responsive and involved leadership team
The HEARTS four-day face-to-face teaching week model whereby all teachers in the trust receive 20% non-contact time. This goes above and beyond the national entitlement of 10% PPA.
a school with a highly positive culture that supports all staff; mental health, workload and wellbeing are at the forefront of our vision and values
access to our school counsellor and network of Mental Health and Wellbeing champions
For further information about HEARTS, including policies and procedures, please refer to our website: www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk
All of our schools are judged good or outstanding.