Job Description

After seven brilliant years and due to promotion, St Andrew's is looking for a new Deputy Headteacher/ SENCo.

St Andrew's is an inclusive school- our school vision 'Every child is loved and Known, every child shines' and our CARE values (Compassion, Achievement, Respect and Enjoyment) are the foundation for all we do. Everything is planned to dove-tail, giving our children the very best of experiences whilst they are with us.

St Andrew's is a school with a strong, positive, supportive and resilient staff team. Currently in a new temporary school building, we are part of the Dfe's school rebuild programme (SRP) and hope to be in a new building in the next few years. This is part of an exciting, but demanding, journey with the opportunity to guide the design and provision of the school's future.

Our recent Ofsted (March 2025) recognised the very challenges linked to the rebuild ing times, but also celebrated the strengths and tenacity of the team and resilience of the children. We were recognised as being good in all areas, with outstanding personal development. As a church school, we had our SIAMS inspection in July 2025 and again were celebrated for our sense of family, outcomes and opportunities for our children.

As a SENCo, your role is instrumental to the smooth running of the school. We have a high proportion of children on the SEN register and with an EHCP. We have many whole school strategies that are employed, an inhouse nurture provision that meets the needs of our children with SEMH and an amazing team of experienced and forward thinking teaching assistants.

Working collaboratively with local secondary schools and our partner infant school are key to smooth transitions for our children.

As Deputy headteacher, your role in supporting the headteacher (particularly during the SRP) will be key. Working closely with our SLT and teaching team in a supportive and cohesive manner is key to the smooth running of St Andrew's.

As a church school, it is important to have an understanding of our Christian distinctiveness, whilst understanding that we are the village school meeting the needs of all children and families from a wide range of backgrounds.

There are many rewards of working at St Andrew's! Our children are bright, bubbly and lovely to spend time with. Our families are overwhelmingly supportive and keen to be a positive part of their children's 'learning -journey'. Our governors are engaged and keen to make a difference. We have supportive relationships with ECC and the diocese.

So if you:

Can find the positives and joy in education (even on gloomy wet-play days)
Are a compassionate and likeable leader
Are an effective communicator
Are able to advocate for all of our children (but particularly those with additional needs)
Have experience as a SENCo ( or other relevant experience and a willingness to complete the NASENCO) with a successful rate of EHCP applications
Enjoy working collaboratively with other agencies
Are keen to roll your sleeves up and join the fun that is St Andrew's!
Please do make an appointment to come and visit. Applications will only be considered if you have visited.

Information about the School

St Andrew's is a school where 'Every child is loved and known and every child shines'.
Our happy, hard-working team of staff are dedicated to ensuring that our children experience the best learning opportunities, we have high aspirations and expectations for all.

We have a broad, balanced and creative curriculum where we support and develop the 'whole child'.
Aiming for all children to develop skills for learning, life and to support them to maintain good mental and physical health.

We nurture a: love of creativity, the outdoors, an understanding and celebration of the richness of cultures and communities in our world and a desire to make a positive difference to everyone.

We are a two form junior school with excellent transport links to Chelmsford, Witham, Maldon and Colchester. We have been significantly impacted by RAAC but have moved into our second temporary building this summer and are enjoying being in this new space together.

We have a happy and supportive staff team who work incredibly well together and are easily excited by 'posh coffee and chocolate biscuits'! Please do call the office for a chat or a visit with our headteacher Becky Black.

We reserve the right to close this advert at any point prior to the closing date.