Meet Jess Hayes:
Studying Assistant SENCO programme
Jessica Hayes is currently undertaking our Assistant SENCO Programme and is due to complete in 2027.
After joining Highover JMI School as an office support assistant, Jessica quickly realised her passion lay in supporting children with additional needs. So when the opportunity to take up fully-funded apprenticeship training for a newly created Assistant SENCO role, she jumped at the chance.
Find out more about our Level 5 Assistant SENCO programme.
Making an impact on Highover's SEND provision to support inclusive practice and improve pupil wellbeing
Jessica has made an impact on the school’s SEND provision in multiple ways, extending beyond managing paperwork.
Administrative support to free up SENCO time
The Assistant SENCO programme has enabled Jessica to quickly get stuck into the role, reducing the administrative burden for school SENCO, Debbie, and freeing her up to focus on coaching staff and ensuring inclusive provision is embedded in classrooms.
Liaising with parents and external agencies
She also leads morning sensory circuits, liaises with external professionals and communicates with parents.
Establishing the next (Highover's Internal Alternative Provision)
With the support of Debbie and her ESF tutor, Jessica has applied her learning to help Highover set up its alternative provision, The Nest, and deliver aspects of the curriculum.