The school:

The Grove is a vibrant school with a strong ethos and a highly committed staff team. We have high aspirations for our pupils and enjoy providing exciting and stimulating learning opportunities for them. We are developing our plans and provision for the future with even greater ambition.

The role:

We are looking for a committed new team member to work within our Inclusion Team at The Grove Academy. The role is part-time, with the candidate expected to work for three days per week (0.6 of FTE). This is a permanent contract.

You will need the knowledge, vision, courage and personal qualities to build on the school's achievements and successes to support it moving onto the next phase of development.  The successful candidate may already hold the SENCo Award or might be working towards the qualification with a thorough understanding of SEN policies and procedures. 

The person:

We are looking for candidates who will:

·         have experience as a SENCo or within a role leading to this

·         work collaboratively with the Inclusion Team and Principal at The Grove, as well as others across Aspire Academies Trust in promoting a shared vision

·         be responsible for monitoring provision for students with Special Educational Needs, and those with Disabilities.

·         have high aspirations and expectations for all learners.

·         be an exemplary role model for all staff, modelling best practice for all pupils

·         have strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and multitask

·         be passionate about providing a high quality and inclusive education for all children

·         demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with pupils, staff and parents

·         be positive, enthusiastic, committed and self-motivated

·         work effectively as part of a team

·         enthuse and inspire a love of learning for all

·         hold and demonstrate a good working knowledge of the national curriculum

·         demonstrate a solid understanding of the SEN Code of Practice

·         have the skills to be a clear communicator with all stakeholders

·         knowledge of referral processes

·         have experience of working with and possibly applying for EHCPs

·         feel confident to lead training for staff, in turn developing their expertise in supporting pupils with SEND

·         feel confident to analyse SEND data to ensure good progress and targeted interventions are having the right impact

Why join us?

·         An excellent environment in which to successfully develop your career

·         The guidance and support of an experienced Principal, Assistant Principals and staff teams

·         The benefits of working collaboratively with colleagues

·         Early leadership opportunities

·         An investment in your CPD and opportunities across the Aspire Academy Trust

Our Multi Academy Trust was formed in September 2014, and incorporates Hammond, Bovingdon, Bedmond, Broadfield, Knutsford and The Grove Academies, along with a well-established Training Centre.

Aspire offers:

·         The opportunity to be part of an expanding organisation with high aspirations, one which is committed to the professional development of all staff.

·         Cross trust networking, partnerships and collaboration of good practice and shared resources to drive the learning environment in all its schools’ forwards towards future excellence.

·         The Trust benefits from its own Training Centre.

·         A truly supportive working environment where employee wellbeing is at the forefront.  The Trust offers a range of support, including menopause support plans and flexible working opportunities.

·         The ability to follow career pathways and progress within the Trust.

·         A wide range of employee benefits such as; local government and teacher pension schemes, an employee assistance programme, free cooked meal daily, occupational health.

Closing date for applications is: 10th May 2024

Interviews will be held on: To be confirmed. For the right candidate we may interview before the closing date.

Safeguarding statement:

The Aspire Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Our interviews will always include relevant questions relating to child protection and/or safeguarding. A satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check is required as a condition of employment. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), an online search will be conducted on shortlisted candidates to identify anything that may need further exploration with candidates. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Equal Opportunities:

At Aspire Academies Trust we believe that all individuals are of equal value and we are committed to equal opportunities for all. All people who work and study in the school have the right to be respected and valued within a safe and secure environment and not to be discriminated against on the grounds of age, class, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief. To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this vacancy.