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Head of Learning Development (SENDCO) - Full-time - Special Needs Position

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

  • Ref:KCC886-6016-210T
  • Posted:25/11/2022
  • Pay:St Michael's Teaching Pay Scales
  • Start Date:April or September 2023
  • App Close Date:06/12/2022 at 08:00
  • Interviews:Week Commencing 12th December 2022

Advert

We have an exciting opportunity to take on the role of Head of Learning Development. You will have the unique privilege of making a real difference to the progress of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) here at St Michael’s, including those who are Gifted and Talented (G&T) or have English as an Additional Language (EAL). You will lead, manage, develop and maintain high-quality provision for inclusion throughout the school, enabling first-class teaching, excellent learning outcomes and success for all SEND pupils. 

Working closely with the Head and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day support of learners with SEND, communication with teachers, parents and external agencies where necessary, and leading a large Learning Development team. A position on the Senior Leadership Team may be available for the right candidate.

We can offer you:

A first-class working environment, supportive colleagues, competitive salary, small class sizes, free meals provided during term time; free parking on site; sick pay scheme; annual salary review; automatic enrolment to the St Michael’s Pension Scheme for Teachers (currently TPS) and continuous professional development.

St Michael’s actively manages the inclusion of its people and values human diversity, believing that our different ways of being and thinking adds value to our school community.  We are committed to creating and sustaining a more ethnically diverse workforce. In this regard, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our values in this area.

If you would like to apply for this role, please send a completed teaching staff application form and equal opportunities form (downloadable from our website) together with a covering letter all in word or PDF format, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role to:

Kim d’Albertanson, HR Manager at:

recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8am on Tuesday 6th December 2022

INTERVIEW DATE: Week commencing 12th December 2022

Early applications welcomed

St Michael’s Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service and online digital presence checks if invited to interview.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.

Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.

In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

Fax: 01959 522137

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.