Deputy Headteacher & SENDCO

Due to the retirement of our current Deputy headteacher/SENDCO, we are now looking to appoint a passionate and committed Deputy headteacher/ SENDCO, who will be responsible for Safeguarding, SEND and an active role on the leadership team within our school with effect from 1st September 2024.

 At North Lakes School, we currently have 56 children on our SEND register and 8 children in our Resource Provision. As we look to the future, the successful candidate will need to have the warmth, credibility and presence to secure the full engagement of all pupils, staff, parents and other stakeholders in the delivery of the school’s aims, with a strong passion for leading as our next SENDCO. We are looking for an inspirational leader of SEND, who will be a passionate advocate and champion for our most vulnerable children. The role will include an element of teaching within our Resource Provision and deputising in the absence of the headteacher.

One of our greatest strengths at North Lakes is our ambitious and challenging curriculum that is accessible to all of our children, regardless of gender, race, age or disability. During our recent Ofsted inspection (2023), we were graded Good in all four areas inspected and praised for our well-established, inclusive practice. As our new SENDCO, being zealous about inclusion and committed to being a champion for our most vulnerable children will be a key factor in this recruitment.

The position will involve leading Safeguarding across the school; fulfilling the role of SENDCO; deputising in the absence of the headteacher; forming part of our Senior Leadership team and holding a part-time teaching commitment within our Resource Provision and on occasion in classes across the school. Supporting staff with inclusive practice and behaviour management across school will also form part of this position.

 You will need to hold or be willing to commit to attaining the National Award in Special Educational Needs with effect of taking on the position. Experience of working in a through primary school would also be an advantage.

If you are a passionate advocate of SEND and an inspirational, approachable leader who is a positive role model to staff and ambitious for all children, then we would love to hear from you.

Our next Deputy headteacher and SENDCO will:
• Demonstrate and lead with honesty, integrity and passion.
• Lead safeguarding and equality across our school. 
• Have experience in leadership and have been an active part of a Senior Leadership team.
• Be an experienced practitioner with an in-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and all its requirements.
• Be committed to equal opportunities and securing excellent outcomes for all pupils with SEND.
• Have experience of supporting the most vulnerable children, preparing smart targets and liaising with virtual schools.
• Hold the National Award in Special Educational Needs or share a commitment to attaining this qualification with effect of taking on the position.
• Have knowledge of the whole primary school journey and be able to demonstrate consistently good teaching skills that inspires and motivates staff.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrates positive, restorative approaches to ensuring high standards of behaviour.
• Communicate and work in partnership with all stakeholders, maintaining effective relationships with staff, governors, parents and children.
• Take a full and active part in all aspects of our school community. 
•  Hold a clean driving license and be willing to undertake Minibus Driver Training.

In return, we can offer you:
• The opportunity to work in partnership with our Headteacher to develop your leadership skills further.
• Children who are motivated, keen to learn and proud of their school and achievements.
• Supportive, inspirational and committed colleagues who will welcome you to our team.
• Investment in your professional development.
• A resource-rich school and learning environment.
• Time to perform duties effectively.
•  Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
•  Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
• Various perks and discounts schemes, including the Cycle to Work Scheme, money off phone contracts/ local gyms.

Visits
If you would like to discover more about this position and our school, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit North Lakes School on the following dates:

•    Monday 4th March 9:30am 
•    Thursday 7th March 9:30am
•    Friday 8th March 2:00pm

Visits can be arranged by contacting the school on 01768 899 876 or emailing the school at admin@northlakes.cumbria.sch.uk.

You can also find out more and download an application pack by visiting:
https://www.northlakes.cumbria.sch.uk/join-our-team

Closing date for applications 
Applications should be returned to the school via email, post or by hand no later than 9:00am on Tuesday 12th March, 2024. These should be addressed to Mrs Nicole Spibey the Headteacher.

Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview by email no later than Friday 15th March 2024. If candidates have not received an email on this date, they have not been successful. 
References for candidates will be taken up prior to interview and candidates that have been shortlisted, may be visited in their current settings prior to interview dates, which will take place on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March, 2024.

Safeguarding
North Lakes School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and we expect the same commitment from all staff and volunteers. The above post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and receipt of professional references. Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.