Ripplevale School - Rochester
Medway
Salary:
MPS + TLR £3,500
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
22 September 2025
Job overview
Your new school
Ripplevale School and College, is a thriving independent special school, for 170 students aged 6 to 25 years old, located in the historic town of Rochester. As part of the Ripplevale family of schools, we provide a holistic, child centred approach to meeting the needs of our students, most of whom have an Education and Health Care Plan. Identified needs may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, and high levels of anxiety.
Your new role
We are seeking an experienced, passionate and highly organised SENCO to join our dedicated team from September.
As SENCO, you will play a central role in ensuring every learner receives the tailored support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. You will lead on coordinating provision for learners with special educational needs across the school and college, working closely with staff, families, external agencies and local authorities.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the strategic development of SEN policy and provision across the setting.
* Oversee the day-to-day operation of SEN support, ensuring high standards and effective delivery.
* Coordinate and contribute to the writing and reviewing of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
* Work collaboratively with teaching and therapy staff to implement and monitor Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
* Liaise with families, external professionals, and the Trans-Disciplinary Team to ensure cohesive support for each learner.
* Oversee assessments, reviews, and annual reviews in line with statutory requirements.
* Provide support and guidance to staff to ensure
We're looking for someone who:
* Holds the National Award for SEN Coordination (or is willing to undertake it).
* a thorough working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, an excellent understanding of the multi-agency process, and other relevant statutory guidance
* Senior or middle leadership experience as a SENCo
* excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
* a good sense of humour and an excellent ability to build strong working relationships with a range of people
* a proven track record of working with and supporting vulnerable pupils and students with a range of SEN needs
* extensive safeguarding knowledge and experience,
For more information and to apply, please contact Brett Coventry on or email
Early Application Encouraged: Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we may close the vacancy before the stated deadline. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
Safeguarding recruitment statement
Ripplevale School Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Ripplevale School Rochester is required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Recruiter contact:
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About Ripplevale School - Rochester
Ripplevale School - Rochester
13 New Road, Rochester
Kent
ME1 1BG
United Kingdom
Ripplevale School and College, Rochester is an independent day school specialises in the teaching of dyslexic, dyspraxic and language-impaired children aged 6 to 16 years old.
Set in Georgian town houses near the historic heart of Rochester, Kent, Ripplevale School was established in 1998. The school aims to combine a positive, supportive environment with an educational curriculum which has been specifically designed for children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Specific Learning and Language Difficulties.
Our school also specialises in:
* Integrated, whole-school approach to learning
* Multi-sensory, structured and cumulative methods of teaching
* Flexible approach meets children's needs, at their own pace
* Positive and thriving atmosphere
* Calm and supportive environment
* Small class sizes ensures each child receives the teacher's attention
* Track-record of success 6 to 16 years
* Nationally recognised, vocational qualifications offered at an appropriate level
* Registered by the DfES as an 'Approved' school for Dyslexia
* Registered by CReSTeD as an 'sp' provider
The school's approach to learning is also appropriate for children such as those with Asperger's Syndrome, who might benefit from the small classes and calm, structured and supportive atmosphere. The objective is to break the cycle of failure and frustration so often encountered and to help our pupils acquire essential skills and knowledge, confidence and self-esteem. For simplicity, we use the term 'Dyslexia' or 'Specific Learning Difficulties' (SpLD) throughout the web site.
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