Job Description
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Lead, Inspire, Transform:
A rarely available opportunity to lead SEND provision in a specialist setting.
Are you passionate about making a life-changing difference for vulnerable students? At Children's Support Service, we work with some of the most complex and rewarding young people, and we're seeking an exceptional SENCO to lead our whole-service SEND provision to new heights.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a specialist setting where every day brings the chance to transform lives. You'll be joining a large, well-established SEND team who are dedicated, skilled and deeply committed to our students' success. Together, you'll provide strategic leadership, champion a pupil-centred approach, and ensure that every vulnerable young person in our care has the support they need to thrive.
We understand and respect the demands on the modern SENCO, which is why we're pleased to offer the opportunity to support hybrid working, giving you the flexibility to balance strategic leadership with your own wellbeing.
What you'll do:
- Provide energetic leadership and a clear vision for SEND across our specialist service
- Work alongside our experienced SEND team to deliver outstanding outcomes for vulnerable students
- Collaborate with staff, families and external agencies to secure the best possible support
- Oversee EHCPs, budgets and policy, ensuring high standards and compliance
- Lead on training and development to build an inclusive, trauma-informed culture
- Use your expertise and creativity to drive continuous improvement in a complex setting
Why join us?
- Make a genuine difference to vulnerable students who need you most
- Work with a large, well-established and passionate SEND team
- Hybrid working opportunities available - we respect the demands on modern SENCOs
- Be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing service with a commitment to innovation and excellence
- Access to ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
- Join a supportive team where collaboration, compassion and expertise are at the heart of everything we do
Our commitment: Children's Support Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks. We are dedicated to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.
Ready to lead change for our most vulnerable students? Apply now to join our vibrant team and make an impact that truly matters!
CSS reserves the right to close this vacancy early.
Information about the School
The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).
Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.
We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.
Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.
We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.
We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.
Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'
CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.
Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.