Abbotsholme is a co-educational, boarding and day school for children aged 2 to 20 years old, set in a large, beautiful estate on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. We are committed to a holistic philosophy of education, striving to nurture and develop pupils’ strengths and abilities through excellence in academic studies, superb pastoral care and a unique and broad-ranging extra-curricular program.
We are seeking to appoint a dedicated Lead of Learning Skills / SENCO to work within our school.
This role would be perfect for a person with a “can do” attitude who is committed to developing individual strengths and encourage a love of learning in all our pupils.
The role is full time, working Monday to Friday, from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., during term time and includes the following:
· To lead the Learning Skills Department, direct and have oversight of high standards of teaching and learning, pupil achievement and progression through effective SEND leadership and inclusion for all pupils including those with special educational needs.
· To assess for and manage access arrangements and the impactful deployment of Learning Skills resources to meet pupil needs
· To make referrals and liaise with professionals outside of the school within local authorities and health care services, including psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists
· To maintain pupil records, ensuring information is accurate and up to date
· To provide or organise SEND training for all staff on inset.
· To ensure that reasonable adjustments are made within the school when needed, and that parents and any other outside agencies or specialists are involved in the child’s provision and progress.
· To support teachers to develop teaching strategies which cater sensitively and effectively for the needs of individual pupils and offer further guidance and support when needed.
· To chair EHC plan annual review meetings to provide relevant agencies with updates on the pupils’ progression towards targets
· To maintain and update the School’s Special Educational Needs Register and develop the school’s SEN strategy and policy
· Analyse SEND data for trends and feed this back to SLT/Advisory Board with actions
· Collect and interpret specialist assessment data
· Manage systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing special educational needs
· Keep up to date with national and local policies including the code of practice related to SEN and cascade information to colleagues.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to work in one of the most unique schools in the country.
To apply please complete our attached Application form, forwarding with a cover letter from yourself to s.riley@abbotsholme.co.uk as soon as possible.
We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are advised. Previous applicants need not to apply.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that unfortunately, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.
Safeguarding
Abbotsholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.
GDPR personal data notice
According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior consent.
Child Protection statement
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors.
Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)). It is not, therefore, in any way contrary to the Act to reveal any information concerning convictions which would otherwise be considered as “spent” in relation to the applicant’s suitability for employment. Any such information will be kept in strict confidence and only used in consideration of the suitability of the applicant for such a position where such an exemption is appropriate.
If you are shortlisted for the role, you are therefore required to declare all convictions, cautions or bind-overs you may have, or have had in the past, even if they would otherwise be regarded as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.’
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Free parking
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Uttoxeter ST14 5BS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/202

Please refer the Job description for details