Join the Founding Team at Aurora Ryefields, Derby
Are you committed to inclusive education and passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND? Do you have the organisational expertise and professional confidence to support high-quality provision across a school?
This is a rare opportunity to join a brand-new special school and play a central role in shaping outstanding SEND practice from day one.
Close Date: Thursday 21st May
About Aurora Ryefields
Aurora Ryefields is a new, purpose-built school for pupils aged 4 to 19 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Our vision is to create a safe, structured and ambitious environment where every pupil can thrive. We are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum, high expectations, and ensuring that all students achieve meaningful qualifications and positive future destinations.
As a member of our founding team, you will help establish strong systems, effective practice, and a culture of inclusion across the school.
The Role
As Assistant SENCo, you will work closely with the SENCo to promote an inclusive, person-centred approach to SEND across the school.
This is a non-teaching role with a strong focus on coordination, communication, and systems. You will play a key role in ensuring that EHCP processes, SEND provision, and statutory requirements are delivered effectively and to a high standard.
Key aspects of the role include:
* Supporting the SENCo in promoting an inclusive approach to SEND across the school
* Coordinating and contributing to the Annual Review process for EHCPs, ensuring compliance and quality
* Developing and maintaining robust systems for identifying, monitoring, and reviewing student need
* Liaising with Local Authority EHCP coordinators, external professionals, and families
* Supporting staff to implement effective recording, reporting, and intervention systems linked to EHCP outcomes
* Contributing to communication with parents, including progress updates and review meetings
* Supporting the SENCo in delivering training and disseminating good practice in SEND
* Assisting with transition arrangements and integration for new pupils
* Ensuring that information about students is clearly communicated to support their progress, wellbeing, and outcomes
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a highly organised, proactive individual who is committed to inclusive education and improving outcomes for young people with SEND.
Essential:
* Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes
* Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail
* Confident communication skills (written and verbal) with a wide range of stakeholders
* Good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills
* A person-centred approach and commitment to meeting individual needs
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
* GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths (Level 2 or above)
Desirable:
* Experience working within a school or SEND environment
* Experience working with pupils with ASC and SEMH needs
* Experience liaising with external agencies and professionals
* SENCo or Access Arrangements Assessor qualification (or willingness to work towards)
* Teaching qualification (not essential, but beneficial)
What Aurora Ryefields Offers
* The opportunity to shape SEND provision in a brand-new school
* A strong, supportive leadership team and collaborative working culture
* High-quality CPD, including SEND-specific training and development opportunities
* Opportunities to contribute to staff training and whole-school practice
* Well-structured working hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm (students leave at 3:00pm)
* Protected time during the school day to fulfil key responsibilities
* No lunchtime duties
* A meaningful role where your work has a direct impact on pupils' outcomes and life chances
How to apply?
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information please contact Karen in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.