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SENCo & HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT

TO START JANUARY 2024 OR EARLIER

WELCOME
Thank you for considering the role of SENCo and Head of

Learning Support at Moulsford Prep School.

Moulsford is a thriving independent day & boarding school of 390 pupils aged 3

to 13 years, set in tranquil and picturesque grounds on the banks of the River

Thames in South Oxfordshire.

At Moulsford, the message is straightforward. We want our pupils to receive the

broadest possible education, while remembering that they will learn best when

happy and settled.

Founded in 1961, this is a particularly exciting period in Moulsford’s

development, with a new state-of-the-art Pre-Prep building, which opened in

September 2022 and will become co-educational from September 2023 from

Pre-School to Year 2. We remain all-boys from Years 3 to 8.

Moulsford offers a fantastic working environment, placing great emphasis on staff

wellbeing and morale, as well as having a culture of career development.

I look forward to welcoming you to Moulsford soon.

Ben Beardmore-Gray

Headmaster

THE SCHOOL
The School week runs from Monday to Friday, and there are also a

Moulsford Prep School is situated on an idyllic

number of sports fixtures which take place on Saturdays. There is

30-acre site on the banks of the River Thames.
neither Saturday School nor boarding on Friday night or at the

weekend.

From September 2023, Moulsford Pre-Prep (age 3 – 7) will

become co-educational, giving girls of pre-prep age the opportunity

Moulsford has been rated ‘excellent’ in every area following its most

to benefit from a Moulsford experience. The Prep School (age 7 –

recent full ISI Inspection in March 2022. This included the quality of

13) will continue to deliver an outstanding all-boys education.

teaching, pupils’ achievements, opportunities in sport, music,

Performing Arts and extra- curricular activities, as well as boarding

Moulsford aims to nurture the whole child, providing opportunities
provision and pastoral care.

for each individual to develop their talents and abilities. The culture

is one of achievement within a vibrant learning environment,

From Moulsford, the boys go on to a wide variety of senior schools

ensuring positive reinforcement at all levels of ability. The School

via Common Entrance or Scholarship at 13+. These include:

has high academic expectations of the boys and excellent teaching

Abingdon, Radley, Marlborough, Wellington, Magdalen College

ensures that they move to their Senior Schools extremely well

School (Oxford), Eton, St Edward’s (Oxford), Pangbourne, Harrow,

prepared.

Shiplake, and The Oratory.

Great emphasis is also placed on the extra-curricular side of School

The Headmaster is Ben Beardmore-Gray who took up post in

life. Forest School, Sport, Music, Art, Drama and river-based

September 2014. Ben was previously Headmaster of Mowden Hall

activities play a prominent role in the boys’ timetable. Sport at

(Northumberland), Deputy Head of Farleigh (Hampshire), and

Moulsford is particularly strong with the major sports being rugby,

started his teaching career at Ludgrove (Berkshire). He is also on

football, hockey and cricket.

the Council of Cheltenham College, Chair of District 10 of the

Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), and is a mentor

There are currently 390 pupils at the School from Pre-School to
and coach to other Heads.

Year 8. Moulsford is predominantly a day school, but has a

boarding house for up to 35 boys; mainly in Years 6, 7 and 8.

THE ROLE
SENCo & HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT

LINE MANAGER: Deputy Head - Academic

HOURS OF WORK: Full time

SALARY: Dependent on experience & qualifications, commensurate with industry standards

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and innovative SENCo and Head of Learning Support to

join our thriving Preparatory School to lead and develop this integral department.

We are looking for an outstanding candidate with a passion for helping young children to reach their

academic potential alongside supporting their social and emotional development. You must be an

excellent communicator with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents and pupils to achieve

the best outcomes for each individual child. A strong sense of empathy and compassion will be central to

achieving success in the role.

The SENCo will be Head of Learning Support, leading and managing a team of Learning Support

Teachers and Assistants, and working closely with the Deputy Head of Learning Support, pastoral and

academic deputies, the Head of Pre-Prep, other academic staff, the Registrar and the Bursar.

The SENCo plays a key role in determining the strategic development of the SEND policy and provision

in the school in order to cater for the individual needs of pupils with SEND. You will ensure children with

learning difficulties are identified as early as possible, arrange assessments, allocate Learning Support staff

and oversee, produce and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Target and Strategy plans.

We encourage the provision of additional support to pupils and parents by way of information sessions,

Parent and Pupil Networks and Learning Support assemblies and outings, and you would be responsible

for driving forward these types of initiative.

From September 2023 the department will be based in a newly designed and refurbished Learning

Support hub, and will continue to have access to high quality resources and equipment. A culture of CPD

is encouraged and supported.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT ROLE ASSESSMENTS AND REPORTS EXAMS

• To plan and provide a stimulating and motivating learning environment for pupils • Maintain LS Register with weekly updates. • Liaise with Deputy Head of Learning Support re exam concessions.
with Special Educational Needs from Pre-School to Year 8. • Provision mapping every child on the register in conjunction with staff. • Have up to date knowledge of JCQ regulations relating to the awarding and

• To develop the department with due regard to the school’s policies and • Oversee, produce and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Target and
administrating of access arrangements.

schemes of work. Strategy plans. • To assess for and put in place exam access arrangements for SEN children
• To maintain detailed records of pupils with SEN; to maintain and update the • Review IEPs annually and arrange IEP review parents’ meetings.

across all year groups for internal and external exams.

Learning Support Register. • Ensure individual Learning Support Teachers keep their own long term plans. • Liaison with secondary schools and submitting up-to-date supporting evidence
• Oversee and develop the entire department’s educational resources, manage • Make decisions on pupils who may drop a foreign language in conjunction with the

for concessions in entrance exams, including the ISEB Pre-Test.

the budget and liaise with the Bursar. Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of French, Spanish & Latin and discuss

• Assist the Headmaster or Deputy Heads in the preparation of reports, both individual cases at the end of Year 6.

internally and for senior schools, relating to the teaching of SEN when needed. • Once a ROC has been logged in iSAMS, meet relevant parties to discuss the best

• Analyse pupil performance throughout the year including internal and external course of action.

exams, the Highly Able register and other forms of assessment to identify • Keep Form Heads, Deputy Head (Academic and when relevant Pastoral) and OTHER:
strengths and needs and considerations and act promptly upon that information. Headmaster informed about any new reports or assessments.

Co-ordinator. • Liaising closely with the Registrar and playing an active role in Moulsford’s
welfare

• To maintain progression and continuity for pupils as they change year groups. admissions process in advising the Head on the offering of places
• Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school;

• To prepare all necessary paperwork for EHCP applications, and co-ordinate
• Establish effective working relationships and set a good example through

relevant meetings and follow up.
personal and professional conduct;

• To remain up-to-date in current curriculum development and professional
• Endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and

practice in working with those who have Special Needs by regular attendance at TRAINING AND EDUCATION
meet high expectations;

teaching colleagues to enable them to best support SEN pupils.

• Responsibility for ensuring changes in legislation that impact the breadth of the • Provide support to colleagues in the teaching of SEN; co-ordinate INSETs relevant
role are implemented.

to this and lead/participate in meetings designed to integrate the work of SEN

• Maintain the Learning Support Department’s positive profile to staff, pupils,

parents and the wider community. • To lead and facilitate staff training on SEN including researching current outside NB The successful candidate should be flexible in their approach to duties. The
• To lead by example in terms of work ethic, integrity, reliance, clarity and

speakers for INSET days. above is not an exhaustive list and you may be required to undertake other
professional behaviour. • Provide and encourage members of the department with information on suitable duties as required by your Line Manager or the Head. The job description may

• Assist the Headmaster and the SMT in the recruitment, selection and induction

of departmental staff. • Organise educational outings for the children. holder.
• Carry out regular observations of LS staff and encourage peer on peer sharing • Arrange Learning Support assemblies

and observations.

• To lead, manage and deploy the learning support teachers including organising

external specialists such as EP, SALT and OT and to liaise with counsellor.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA DESIRABLE CRITIERIA MEASURED BY

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE • Experience working in a Learning Support role • Experience of leadership Application & Interview

• Excellent knowledge of SEN assessment and teaching methods

SKILLS & ABILITIES • A passionate, inspirational, and highly effective leader dedicated to achieving Application & Interview
the best possible outcome for each child

• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, compassion and empathy

• Good organisational skills to balance the day to day with longer term

planning/goals and respond to the changing needs of the children

• The ability to inspire and enthuse young children by using resources

imaginatively

• Energy, resourcefulness, responsibility, patience and a caring nature

• Ability to lead and manage a team of LS teachers, assistants and peripatetic

staff

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS • Qualified to degree level or equivalent • QTS or equivalent educational qualification Application

• Level 7 SpLD qualification • Assessment Practicing Certificate or AMBDA

• National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO)

OTHER • A professional, flexible and proactive attitude Interview

• Supportive of Moulsford’s ethos and strategic objectives

• Flexibility to work calmly and reliably in a busy School, both in a team

and independently, with energy, initiative and cheerful enthusiasm

• Collaboration with other departments, and the ability to see the wider

picture

• Ability and willingness to go beyond own responsibilities to help others

at busy times and to work outside normal hours as required, e.g Open

Events etc

• As with all staff, responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare

of any children and young persons with whom they come into contact in

accordance with School policies

• The desire and ability to promote the School

STAFF BENEFITS AT MOULSFORD

LOCATION FEE REMISSION

Moulsford is situated on the banks of the Thames between Fee remissions are available for teaching staff. Please ask

the market towns of Wallingford and Pangbourne, in a for further information.

designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Oxford,

Reading and Henley are located 18, 16 and 15 miles away

THE BARN FITNESS CLUB
respectively. There are direct trains to London Paddington

The School offers complimentary full gym membership for

from Didcot (8 miles), and a ‘stopping’ service from Cholsey

all employees at The Barn Fitness Club in Cholsey.

(1 mile). The School has roughly 100m of river frontage

and staff are able to use the watersports facilities outside of

WELLBEING
school hours.

Great emphasis is placed on staff wellbeing and morale and

we firmly believe in creating the right work/life balance for

PENSION
all at Moulsford. Many staff are trained in Mental Health

All employees are eligible to join a staff pension scheme.
First Aid and culture of mutual support for colleagues is

encouraged and fostered. Social events for staff take place

IN-HOUSE CATERING throughout the year.

Making sure our students and staff are well fuelled for a busy

day at school is key and food is very important at CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
Moulsford. Our in-house catering team ensures that staff DEVELOPMENT
enjoy complimentary good quality, healthy and balanced

All employees are encouraged and supported with access

meals every day. They also cater for all types of diets and
to regular Continuing Professional Development.

allergens.

APPOINTMENT
PROCEDURE AND KEY DATES

Applicants should submit the
following:

• A one-page letter of application.

• Completed Application Form. CVs are

welcome alongside the Application

Form.

• References will be taken prior to

interview unless indicated otherwise.

To download a copy of our application form,
please click here.

KEY DATES
Closing Date for applications is

Tuesday 6th June 2023.

Initial Interviews will take place week

commencing 12th June 2023.

Moulsford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of

children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share

this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to the completion

of pre-employment checks including an Enhanced DBS check and

satisfactory references.

Registered Charity No 309643

Moulsford Prep School, Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR

01491 651438 • [email protected] • www.moulsford.com

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