Job Description
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Are you an inspirational practitioner with a passion for inclusive education?
We are seeking to appoint a passionate, highly motivated Assistant Headteacher to lead on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious and dedicated professional to make a significant impact on the lives of our pupils, staff and wider school community. This is a vital role for a committed professional to build upon our existing strengths and further embed a culture of true inclusion across our school.
As our Assistant Headteacher responsible for Inclusion (SENCo), you will be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of SEND and inclusion across the school. The role includes line management of the learning support team with no whole class responsibility.
The position also includes being a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead playing a crucial role in the day-to-day safeguarding operations of the school and being committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff and pupils is paramount.
The start date for the role is either September 2025 (preferred if possible) or January 2026.
At Dunmow St. Mary's Primary School, our vision is rooted in the Christian belief that everyone is unique, loved and full of endless potential. Our children will flourish to become resilient, reflective and creative learners who build positive and respectful relationships grown from love, integrity, compassion and inclusivity.
We are seeking a candidate who:
Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and has significant successful primary teaching experience
Has the National Award for SEN Coordination/NPQ for SENCos (or a willingness to complete it within 3 years of appointment)
Has an excellent understanding of a range of SEND needs
Is an excellent communicator, able to inspire and motivate pupils, staff, parents and the wider community
Demonstrates a genuine passion for inclusive education and a belief that every child can achieve
Is committed to the Trauma Perceptive Practice (TPP) approach, understanding that every behaviour is a communication and striving to build resilience, relationships and safety for all our children and families
Is resilient with a willingness to face challenges with a solution focussed vision
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role.
We can offer:
A strong, committed team of staff who provide a rich, meaningful learning environment where children enjoy learning and working together to achieve their best
A practical, experiential and creative curriculum
A well resourced school with extensive grounds including a copse where Forest School takes place, an outside swimming pool, a large well-stocked library and ICT suite
A supportive Safeguarding, Family Liaison and Pastoral Care Team who strive to ensure that children's needs are met and support staff with their expertise
A knowledgeable and experienced Governing Board who get the balance between support and challenge right
A strong and well established partnership with nine other local schools (DEEP)
Motivated and engaged children with a calm family feel to the school
A partnership with St Mary's Church and close links between church and school
Dunmow St. Mary's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to two appropriate references and an enhanced DBS check.
As part of the application, the personal statement should be linked to the job description and the person specification.
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged.
Please contact Mrs Helen Bright in the school office to arrange a visit.
Information about the School
Based in Great Dunmow, Essex, Dunmow St Mary's Primary School is a 2FE Foundation primary school with extensive grounds, including our own woodland area and outdoor classroom. As a Church of England voluntary controlled school we have a strong commitment to Christian principles and values that recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Every child from any background is welcome in our school and our school life is strengthened by our visits to the local church and by the contribution it makes to our school.
Judged "Good" in our recent Section 5 graded Ofsted inspection, our learning is based around our unique curriculum model designed in a series of cross curricular themes. By making connections between subjects we deepen and enhance our children's learning meaning our children are active, enthusiastic and happy learners. We are committed to our curriculum model and want to see it develop further.
We believe that good learning requires good teachers. Our teaching and support staff are a committed and talented team of people. Together in the classrooms and across the school they make Dunmow St Mary's the wonderful school it is.
Inclusiveness and caring are at the heart of our school. We have invested in supporting our children in the classroom and beyond with a dedicated family liaison officer and SENCO team who help everyone to engage and learn.