Interim Phase Sen Manager – Education

Reference no:  W Berkshire 5224878

Pay Rate: £23.58 per hour PAYE 

This opening assignment is for 2-3 months

The purpose of the role is to ensure the formal process of assessment, EHC plans, placement and review is carried out efficiently, consistently and in line with the Children’s and family Act 2014 and Code of Practice (including meeting the prescribed timescales), for SEN pupils in your phase.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take part in the development of processes for Education, Health and Care Assessments and Plans in line with the Children and Families legislation and to be involved as appropriate in implementation.
• Attend the SEN Panel and follow up actions both generally and as one of the Authority’s signing officers, including the drafting of EHC Plans and the preparation of cases for Panel. To chair SEN Panel if required to do so by the SEN Manager.
• Oversee casework of young people in your age group and undertake management of individual cases, including meetings and reviews as appropriate.  To meet with parents and their representatives as necessary to discuss issues relating to statutory assessment and provision for EHCP pupils.
• Attend Virtual Transition Team meetings as appropriate.
• Attend the Independent Specialist Placement Panel as required.
• Act as lead officer in representing the Authority at SEN Tribunal in cases where agreement cannot be reached on provision / placement. Ensuring a high standard of presentation of the LA’s case at hearings, including preparation of witnesses etc. Ensuring that Tribunal data is recorded and cases are progressed according to the prescribed timescales.
• Quality assure new EHCP and amended EHCP which require amendments following annual review / update EHC Plans following reviews.
• Manage SEN budgets as appropriate and to be aware of budget implications of all decisions.
• Be responsible for signing EHC Plans issued by the Authority, their overall character, quality and consistency, ensuring they draw upon competent assessments and meet statutory obligations.
• Maintain close liaison with relevant colleagues in other service areas re SEN issues/provision.
• Oversee admissions to relevant provision. To conduct negotiations as required with Headteachers and Governors where any difficulties arise in relation to admissions of young people with statements / EHC Plans.
• Ensure appropriate attention is given to issues around Children in Care and liaise as needed with the Children in Care Education Service.
• Make transport entitlement decisions based on the LA’s SEN Transport Policy.
• Provide statistical information as required and ensure relevant SEN statistical returns are made on time.
• Liaise with Health & Safety Adviser about advice to schools around managing special needs, e.g. manual handling, individual pupil risk assessments, etc.

“Role Requirements” – to give yourself the maximum chance of success please try and ensure your CV addresses the following essential criteria:

Qualifications:

1. Education to degree level or equivalent.
2. Professional qualification in Education (QTS or equivalent).

Knowledge & Experience:

1. Minimum of 12 months recent experience in a similar role, or context and ideally within a public sector organisation.
2. Successful management experience in a school or further education provider.
3. Experience of leading inter-agency working and working with parents, heads, SENCOs and other professionals in an SEN context.
4. Extensive teaching experience in schools, including experience of teaching children / young people with special educational needs.
5. Knowledge and working experience of current legislation and non-statutory guidance in relation to special educational needs, including the 1996 Education Act and Code of Practice.
6. Knowledge of the Children and Families Bill.
7. Knowledge of other related legislation, including the Children Act and legislation governing Adult Social Care.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Analytical thinking and ability to make sound judgements based on appropriate evidence.
2. Ability to work restoratively in circumstances where relationships have broken down.
3. Analytical thinking and ability to make sound judgements based on appropriate evidence.
4. Ability to remain effective and professional in challenging and difficult situations.
5. Ability to work independently and on own initiative, requiring minimal supervision.
6. ICT Skills: Strong IT skills including Microsoft packages or equivalent (e.g. G Suite).

NB: Please feel free to apply to us direct via [email protected] by quoting the job reference and job title exactly. SEE DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS AD.

If you have previously applied to one of our vacancies and have already sent the required supporting documentation to us, please make this clear when you re-apply as this will help speed up your application.

To help speed up the process of uploading your CV to the client we would suggest that you send us your CV in Word format (or equivalent) if possible, rather than as a PDF

If you are successful in securing this role, please note that for the entire duration of this contract, regardless of extension you will be working this role at the PAYE rate that has been advertised. For absolute clarity, we only work on a PAYE basis, rather than entertaining umbrella pay terms, we do not offer Ltd/umbrella or outside IR35 rates. If you wish to understand PAYE vs Umbrella more, please let us know and we can send you some additional information for clarity.