About Us
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is a 13-19 Mainstream Studio School based in Darwen, Lancashire, specialising in Creative/Technical Digital Technologies and Care Sector.
We are currently ranked as the number one performing college for progress at KS5 in the borough and within a 132km radius. We have recently received an OFSTED rating of Good in all areas during a September 2021 inspection.
Established in 2013 and located in the heart of historical Darwen on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, the Studio is the town's best kept secret. Focussed on nurturing talent in students and staff across core and creative subjects and improving the life chances of every student. As a small school with a maximum of 250 students we offer a unique opportunity to work in a state of the art, iconic and historic building as part of a small cohesive team of staff.
Job Description
About the Role:
Assistant SENDCo – Supporting Success for Every Student
Are you passionate about inclusion? Ready to champion the needs of students who face barriers to learning? We're looking for a
committed and compassionate Assistant SENDCo
to help lead the way in transforming outcomes for students with SEND.
Working alongside our experienced SENDCo, you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day leadership of SEND provision across the academy. From shaping policy to working directly with students and supporting curriculum teams, this is a dynamic, hands-on role at the heart of our inclusive learning community.
*Who We're Looking For*
We're seeking someone who is:
Experienced in teaching or working closely with curriculum teams
Passionate about inclusion and improving life chances
Organised, resilient, and proactive
A great communicator who builds positive relationships with students, families, and staff
Adaptable and caring, with a deep commitment to student wellbeing
Whether you're looking to step into leadership or bring your SEND expertise to a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and be part of something meaningful.
Further details about the role including the full job description and person specification can be found in the document link at the bottom of the page.
Completing the application
Candidates will need to create an account and are asked to complete all the standard information required on the application form. Please also address the mission alignment and capacity to meet the requirements of the Essential and Desirable criteria of the Person Specification and Job Description. CVs are not accepted as part of the application process.
We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time.
Important Application Notice
To apply for our roles, you
must use a laptop, tablet, or computer
.
Mobile phones are not supported
for submitting applications.
Internal Applicants:
Please register using your
personal email address
. Work email addresses will
not be accepted
.
*Disclaimer:*
Any unsolicited CV`s sent to any member of our HR team on a speculative basis will not be recognised nor will we accept liability for any fee or commission should we subsequently employ a candidate who applied to us directly or was introduced by an instructed agency that may also have been submitted speculatively by an uninstructed agency.
* Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website
*About Aldridge Education:*
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is a member of the Aldridge Education family of schools, which locally also includes Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen Vale and Sudell Primary School.
Aldridge Education is a charitable Trust of entrepreneurial community schools and colleges that help young people to reach their potential. We support our schools' Principals and teachers in rapidly improving the quality of education on offer at early years, primary, secondary and sixth-form levels in order to transform the life-chances of our students.
Operating Norms
We believe that the way we operate at all times and with all partners is of paramount importance.
Our Agreed Operating Norms Are As Follows:
* We are Aldridge Education
* The standard is excellence
* We champion equality
* We're in the work together
* We behave with integrity
* We lead by example
* We use time well
References
In line with our safer recruitment policy and KCSIE 2024 we cannot accept personal email addresses for referees in all cases two professional references are required. We cannot accept two references from the same employer. Please provide your current or most recent employer.
Candidates are advised that references will be taken up immediately after shortlisting. Candidates are asked to ensure that their referees are aware of the need to respond within the timescale set. In all cases two professional references are required.
*Safeguarding Statement:*
Aldridge Education is committed to working together to safeguard pupils and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
A copy of Aldridge Education's Child Protection policy is available on our website at
Following successful application, Aldridge Education will carry out the necessary prohibition checks for all teaching staff, as well as for all candidates undertaking regulated activity.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, you will be required to complete a Declaration giving details of any relevant criminal offences and other relevant information relating to our safeguarding duty. Further information will be provided on that form.
Given the nature of the Trust's activities and the regulatory framework it is subject to, any offer of employment will be made conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and barred list check carried out by the Trust (where applicable to the role in question). It is an express condition if you are appointed to the role that you join the DBS update service.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, Aldridge Education will undertake online searches (including social media) in accordance with KCSIE 2024.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means standard and enhanced DBS checks will now always show all unspent records, including youth conditional cautions, meaning some previously unrecorded details will now be disclosed.
Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
More information on The Disclosure & Barring Service can be found at
Equal Opportunities
At Aldridge Education, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed and thrive.
We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is essential for driving innovation and achieving success. Our commitment to equality and fairness is embedded in all aspects of our recruitment, employment, and educational practices. We continuously strive to maintain an environment that provides all individuals with the opportunity to realize their full potential.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce, promoting an inclusive culture throughout Aldridge Education, and ensuring that we reflect the communities we serve. )
Benefits
Join the Aldridge Education Family
Looking for a fulfilling career with great perks? Here's why working for
Aldridge Education
is the right choice for you:
Aldridge Benefits Scheme
– Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you
Cycle to Work Scheme
– Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
Employee Assistance Programme
– Your well-being matters Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
Flexible Working Opportunities
– Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
Free On-Site Parking
– No more hunting for parking, we've got your spot covered.
Generous Annual Leave
– Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years
Pension Schemes
– Secure your future with access to the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
Refer a Friend Scheme
– Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board
Desired Criteria
*Requirements
Desirable
Knowledge, Experience And Skills*
* Extensive experience in working with students with SEND, preferably within the 14-19 age range.
ü
* Proven leadership and management experience in an educational setting.
ü
* Strong understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies for students with SEND.
ü
Essential Criteria
*Requirements
Essential
Education*
* Qualifications at GCSE, including English and maths.
ü
* Willingness to complete the NPQ SENDCO beginning in October 2025
ü
* Level 3 TA
ü
Knowledge, Experience And Skills
* Experience identifying, monitoring and providing effective support for students with SEN
ü
* Understanding of the 14-19 educational contexts, national priorities and standards
ü
* In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and other relevant legislation.
ü
* Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills with the ability to make points clearly, to listen, understand and respond in a variety of situations
ü
* Ability to train staff in aspects of SEN
ü
* Proficient in IT – Bromcom, Microsoft Office
ü
* The ability to work with a range of students at all levels
ü
* Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, both within and outside of the schools
ü
Personal Qualities
* Genuine passion and a belief in the potential of every student
ü
* Commitment to Aldridge Education's mission of providing an excellent education to every student
ü
* High level of self-awareness and self-management in challenging situations
ü
* Resilient, motivated and committed to achieving excellence
ü
* Commitment to regular and on-going professional development
ü
* Lead with integrity and professionalism
ü
* Lead by example to all staff and students
ü
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