Strategic direction

• To support the Early Year Leadership Team, to develop, implement, and facilitate the strategic direction of the school/college
• To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Early Years SEN provision • To map the curriculum and create long-term and medium-term plans
• To keep up to date with the SEN Code of Practice, SEN research and best practice
• To collaborate with the SEN Coordinators across the college to align the student journey
• To communicate the strategy to the Early Years team to ensure all staff engage with the process
• To lead specific staff professional learning on pedagogical initiatives
• To use a graduated approach to a personalised learning programme
• To work with the leadership team on the strategic development of SEN and inclusion, including reviewing and formulating appropriate policies
• To collaborate with EiM and SEN coordinators across the group to align policy, procedures and approaches
• To support the Early Years Leadership Team and the College Leadership Team by being adaptive and supportive to the smooth running of the school

Operations

• Line management responsibilities for teachers, dual language teachers (DLTs) and the Assistant Teachers (ATs) in the department, including performance management
• To lead weekly department meetings
• To lead assemblies
• To help organise key events, activities, and trips. Plus, to support cross-curricular events in collaboration with colleagues
• To direct, monitor, and review teaching and learning provision in the SEN department e.g., quality-first teaching and interventions
• To develop and evaluate SEN pedagogy
• To collect, review and report on data linked to SEN both internally and externally
• To provide training and development for staff and parents including curriculum guidance
• To manage a budget, including resource management
• To liaise with outside agencies and specialists
• Do develop early identification and screening systems, and to receive and act on referrals of students whose progress is causing concerns from colleagues or parents
• To effectively communicate with parents, including meetings and responding to parents’ queries
• To work with specialist departments e.g., Chinese and EAL to support students with specific needs
• To maintain the SEN register and track students’ progress using tools like Provision Map
• To manage an exceptionally able or talented register and provision
• To work with the wider EY team e.g., planning, moderation, pupil progress meetings etc
• Set targets for raising achievement among SEN students and other groups as appropriate
• Collect and interpret specialist assessment and performance data and share with other staff as appropriate
• To work with admissions and ELT to support: new entry assessments and exit procedures, baseline assessments, and transition arrangements
• Keep accurate records
• To organise case conferences where necessary
• To support and supervise students throughout the school day (indoor and outdoor environments, breaks, lunchtime, start and end of the day)
• To take an active lead with supporting and managing the needs of students with social, emotional, mental health and behavioural challenges
• To play a full part in the life of the school community and support our ethos

Teaching and Learning responsibilities

• To provide an excellent teaching and learning provision
• The ability to motivate, support, and challenge all students
• To use effective classroom management strategies to engage all learners
• To utilise the learning environment to enhance teaching and learning
• Excellent knowledge of differentiation strategies and personalised learning
• A good understanding of how assessment impacts on the teaching and learning cycle
• To report student development and progress to parents in line with the school’s assessment and reporting schedule, both in written form and at parent consultation days/evenings
• To comply with the school’s policies and procedures

Skills and Expertise

• An outstanding teacher who is able to impact others throughout the school
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of SEN theories and approaches
• A strong knowledge of age-appropriate teaching strategies for Early Years students
• A strong knowledge of how to lead effective collaborative planning and embed SEN learning into the wider curriculum
• A good understanding of data analysis and reporting
• A good understanding of the cultural context
• Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Suite
• Effective management skills
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills