Aston Community Education Trust are a forward thinking and ambitious multi-academy trust, comprising of three secondary academies and nine primary academies across the Rotherham, Sheffield and North Derbyshire areas.

Swinton Academy is at the heart of the local community.  We are committed to making a real difference to the lives of our young people and will provide outstanding learning and enrichment opportunities for them throughout their time with us.  To be able to achieve this, we need to have a team of dedicated and outstanding staff, who will contribute to our exceptional learning community.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and highly talented individual with the passion and motivation to provide an outstanding service alongside the SENDCo and Inclusion Manager.  The purpose of the role will be to:

• Assist in leading and managing the Inclusion department, in close partnership with the SENDCo.
• Assist the SENDCo in leading the provision for students with SEND and those who are vulnerable.
• Support high quality teaching, effective use of resources and high standards of learning and achievement for all students.
• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive education and supporting all children to succeed.
• Support the learning of students with SEND and those who are vulnerable, their well-being and ongoing achievement, securing high quality outcomes.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all students.

This is a key role within the academy and will involve working closely with the SENDCo to provide support to students with SEND; ensuring that they are able to access and maximise the facilities and resources available, and to achieve the best possible outcomes. Duties will include liaison with outside agencies, attendance at meetings with multi-agencies, parent/carers and students, as well as effective use of data/data analysis.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and approachable with a "can-do" attitude and the ability to demonstrate a keen eye for detail. You will have a strong understanding of national developments within SEND and secondary education. You should have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the most vulnerable students, significant knowledge of strategies to support students with SEND, and knowledge of SEND guidance and legislation.

The successful candidate will hold the Access Arrangements Coordination qualification (or be willing to complete the qualification if not already achieved).

Working closely with the SENDCo the successful candidate will:

• Assist the SENCO in leading and managing the provision for pupils with SEND, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
• Support the development and implementation of the school’s SEND strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure effective communication and provision for SEND pupils.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and provision, ensuring the best outcomes for all SEND students.
• Support in preparing and reviewing SEND documentation, including Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs),
• Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and provision maps.
• Oversee and coordinate the provision of access arrangements to eligible students. 
• Organise and manage student files and data, ensuring required evidence is up-to-date including keeping the qualifications of assessors and training of invigilators and access arrangement facilitators on file.
•  Work alongside teachers to develop and implement differentiated learning strategies for SEND pupils.
• Deliver targeted interventions for pupils with additional needs where necessary.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential.
• Keep up to date with national SEND developments and ensure that the academy remains compliant with the latest guidance and legislation.

The role is based at Swinton Academy and will involve working collaboratively with other academies across the trust.  If you are looking for an exciting new role, then you are warmly encouraged to pursue an application with us. We would also welcome you if you would like to visit us. If you have any questions or wish to visit, then please contact – Katy.wright@astoncetrust.org 

Key Responsibilities of the role include:

• Have strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, manage competing demands, and maintain accurate records. 
• To liaise with parents to ensure the young person is supported well.
• To provide a drop-in service for all students. 
• To independently plan and deliver tailored 1:1 & small group support for KS3 & KS4 children with SEN based on the assess, plan do review model.
• To liaise with school staff, including the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and other professionals as appropriate to ensure the effective operation of the service.  
• To support parents. 
• To attend meetings and briefings as required and to provide an evidenced based graduated response.
• To maintain confidential notes on all counselling sessions. 
• To promote a caring and supportive environment where concerns can be explored, thereby promoting mental and emotional health. 
• To uphold good practice as described by the BACP ethical guidelines. 
• To liaise with relevant staff within the academy, making them aware of problems experienced by students and to make recommendations as to how these may be managed/resolved, as appropriate. 
• To liaise with other professionals, including attending meetings within the academy and with outside agencies, as appropriate. 
• To be alert to trends and patterns of issues that affect children and adolescence.
• To play an active role in safeguarding children and adhere to the academy policies.

The successful candidate will have: 

• A recognised professional counselling qualification to diploma level or equivalent and be a BACP member/registered to a professional body. 
• The Certificate in National Learning Mentor Training is desirable.
• The ability to be creative/playful in their work in consideration of the child’s developmental age. 
• The ability to adapt the therapy/intervention in a meaningful/useful way for the young person. 
• The ability to maintain confidentiality within the academies’ safeguarding procedures. 
• The ability to work effectively with a range of colleagues both within the academy and from external agencies. 
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills. 
• To demonstrate the key personal qualities of empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to support young people.
• A desire to make a difference to the lives of young people
• Excellent communication skills with both pupils and staff 
• Engage fully in the Academy’s ethos by promoting positive values, attitudes and behaviour and by thinking creatively and reflectively within a forward-thinking aspirational team, whilst keeping the needs of the students firmly at the centre. 

Safeguarding