Days Lane is a thriving three-form entry stand-alone Academy, providing an inclusive, caring and stimulating learning environment for pupils aged three to eleven. The school has a record of high academic standards and offers an exciting range of enrichment and extra curriculum activities. The school is a popular choice within the local community and annually over-subscribed in both Nursery and Reception. We were judged to be ‘good’ in all areas and ‘outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes, by Ofsted in our last inspection in March 2023.

At Days Lane School, our school moto ‘Believe, Achieve, Succeed Together’ is fulfilled through our carefully planned curriculum that is filled with exciting and memorable learning experiences. We value the development of the whole child and our core values underpin the key learning habits and qualities of our pupils.

Days Lane Primary School has high aspirations for all pupils, and particularly those identified with special educational needs, to ensure that all pupils thrive and fulfil their full potential. We are focused on creating an inclusive environment, where provision is adapted to the needs and abilities of our pupils. We have a small provision for pupils with complex needs in key stage two.

For further information about the school, please visit https://www.dayslaneprimary.co.uk/bexley/primary/dayslane

The Deputy Headteacher responsible for Inclusion will work closely with the Headteacher and all stakeholders to further enhance the vision and priorities of the school by developing strategic plans which will motivate all members of the school community to provide an outstanding and inclusive education for our pupils. They will also take the lead   in our pastoral offer, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.   

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the academy practice is compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and other relevant statutory requirements.
• The accurate identification of SEND need across the academy, ensuring rigorous and thorough assessment processes.
• Tracking the progress of pupils with SEND and the deployment of support staff and resources according to the needs of pupils.
• Embedding Quality First Teaching and ensure high quality targeted interventions enable SEND pupils make good progress.
•  Line managing support staff including the Pastoral Lead and Attendance Officer
• Overseeing the programme of whole school interventions and their impact, including those outlined in the Pupil Premium Strategy.

The post holder must have the ability to analyse data to identify priorities for school improvement, and be able to evidence the impact of priorities on pupil outcomes. Provide termly reports to trustees, line manage others and their   performance management, have a good working knowledge and experience of safeguarding and child protection,   including working with outside agencies.

The right candidate will be organised and have high expectations of themselves and others. They must be empathetic with excellent interpersonal skills and be an effective communicator. They will also: 

• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the SENCO role
• Knowledge and understanding of national priorities, including current curriculum development and the ability to adapt the curriculum based on SEND needs.
• A thorough understanding of quality assurance techniques
• An understanding of how professional development contributes to the raising of standards
•  Evidence of successful teaching experience
• Ensure standards are met and the best possible outcomes for pupils with SEND Use rigorous monitoring and assessment strategies to review progress and set targets
• Work in partnership with all stakeholders of the school 
• Provide in-depth information and analysis of data for stake holders: Headteacher, SLT, Trustees.
•  Strengthen and maintain community links
• Operate strictly in accordance with school policy and create new policies
•  Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached below. Please apply by the deadline of Monday 17 March 2025. Interviews will be held on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 March.

Please include a letter of application and supporting statement. Using no more than 2 sides of A4, font size no smaller than 10 please provide an accompanying letter explaining why you are applying for this post and how your experience, skills, training and personal qualities match the requirements of the role as set out in the job description and person specification.

As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We are committed to equality and diversity in employment practice.

The school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. This is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates' suitability to work with children. Only information relating to suitability to work with children will be disclosed.

This post is a customer-facing position and falls within the scope of the Code of Practice on English Language Requirement for Public Sector Workers. The school has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements