Senco

Wilds Lodge School; Empingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in Empingham is seeking an experienced SENCo to lead the SEN department. The role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to supporting learners with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. The ideal candidate will have a relevant educational qualification and experience with SEN. Benefits include free onsite parking, meals, and professional development opportunities. The position is permanent, full-time, starting at Easter 2026.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Free refreshments and meals

Gym membership

Access to an employee assistance programme

Excellent CPD packages

Company events

Qualifications

• Experience working with learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.
• Knowledge of behaviours associated with autism and related conditions.
• Ability to manage staff and facilitate effective practices.

Responsibilities

• Chair the multidisciplinary team and act as main contact with education and psychology professionals.
• Line manage the therapy team and support staff in understanding SEN learners.
• Ensure effective teaching approaches for individual learners with SEN.

Skills

Effective team player

Ability to inspire learners

Strong leadership skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant educational qualification

Job description

Overview

SENCo Wilds Lodge School - Rutland. Salary: £55,000 - £63,000. Contract: Permanent, full time and term time only. Start Date: Easter 2026 (or sooner). The successful candidate will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and Senior Education Team. The school supports learners with a range of needs including SEMH and ASD and is committed to an inclusive therapeutic culture. A strong commitment to raising achievement and standards is required, with an informed and creative approach to curriculum delivery. Full support will be available via a professional development programme for aspiring leaders.

Responsibilities

• Chairing the School's multidisciplinary team.
• Acting as the main point of contact with regional education and clinical psychology.
• Support the identification of and disseminate the most effective teaching approaches for individual learners with SEN.
• Ensure provision map is up to date and that interventions and provision are carried out according to EHCP.
• Line manage and coordinate the therapy team, dyslexia specialist teacher and numeracy intervention teacher.
• Acting as designated Teacher for looked after children.
• Support all staff in understanding the needs of SEN learners.
• Liaise with staff, parents, external agencies and other schools to coordinate contribution, provide maximum support and ensure continuity of provision, especially in complex cases.
• Support the identification of and disseminate the most effective teaching approaches for individual learners with SEN (Teaching and Learning).
• Work with head teachers, teachers, key stage coordinators and pastoral staff to ensure all learners' learning is of equal importance and that there are high and realistic expectations of learners.
• Work with staff to develop effective ways of bridging barriers to learning through assessment of needs, monitoring of teaching quality and learner achievement, target setting, keeping accurate records, and interpreting specialist assessment data to inform practice.

About Wilds Lodge

Wilds Lodge School is an independent 38 week specialist boarding and day provision for boys and girls (girls accepted as day learners only) aged 5–19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, in Empingham, Rutland. All learners have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school emphasises educational, social and psychological development, with a strong ethos and supportive staff, and regular training on child protection, mental health and multi‑agency working. Training on SEN areas such as Autism, attachment and ADHD is provided to staff.

Be successful in this role

• Be able to inspire, enthuse and motivate learners to achieve their full potential.
• Be an effective and committed team player with a clear vision for development and sustained improvement.
• Possess humour, energy, flexibility and a positive outlook.

Benefits

• Free onsite parking
• Free refreshments and meals whilst on duty
• Company events
• Gym membership
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Group life cover 2 x salary from day 1
• Excellent CPD packages, paid induction training and opportunities for part funding of further training including HLTA, Master Degrees and Teacher Training
• Excellent promotion and career progression

How to apply

For more information and a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin. E: [e-mail] | T: 07525 889925

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 25 February 2026. Strong applications may be considered upon receipt. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.