Senco

Outcomes First Group; Frome; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with enhanced terms

Wellbeing support and health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking an outstanding SENCO to lead the SEND provision at Wessex Lodge School. You will shape inclusive education, ensure statutory responsibilities are met, and work with teachers, therapists and families to empower vulnerable learners.

You will drive strategic and operational SEND leadership, develop staff expertise and advocate for pupils with complex needs across the school. A skilled communicator with collaboration and resilience is essential.

Qualifications

• NASENCO qualification or willingness to complete within three years.
• Experience with complex SEND, SEMH and ASC.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and current legislation.
• Driving licence (Full UK).
• Proven leadership and ability to influence practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the school's SEND provision in line with legislation and best practice.
• Oversee identification, assessment and support for pupils with SEND.
• Develop and review EHCPs with meaningful pupil and family involvement.
• Monitor progress and use data to drive interventions for achievement and wellbeing.
• Coach staff in high-quality SEND practice and trauma-informed approaches.
• Collaborate with education, therapy and care teams for holistic support.
• Build partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement and inspection readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Professional development

Education

NASENCO qualification

Job description

At Wessex Lodge School, we're looking for an outstanding SENCO to join our specialist team and help shape the future of inclusive education within our therapeutic setting. This is far more than a coordination role. It's an opportunity to lead, innovate and advocate for some of the most vulnerable learners, ensuring every pupil is understood, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. As SENCO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of SEND provision across the school. You'll provide both strategic leadership and operational expertise, ensuring that pupils receive tailored support that enables them to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals, you'll champion inclusive practice and ensure that statutory responsibilities are met with excellence and compassion. This is a rewarding opportunity to influence whole‑school culture, develop staff expertise and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with complex needs. What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the school's SEND provision, ensuring it reflects current legislation, best practice and an inclusive ethos.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and support of pupils with SEND to secure the best possible outcomes.
• Lead the development and review of EHCPs, ensuring statutory compliance and meaningful involvement from pupils and families.
• Monitor pupil progress and use data to implement effective interventions that drive achievement and wellbeing.
• Coach and support staff in high-quality SEND practice, adaptive teaching and trauma-informed approaches.
• Work collaboratively with education, therapy and care teams to deliver joined‑up, holistic support.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies, including Educational Psychologists, CAMHS and Local Authorities.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement and strategic development, including aspects of the inspection framework for suitably experienced candidates.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Qualified with the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), or willing to complete it within three years.
• Experienced in supporting pupils with complex SEND, particularly SEMH and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
• Knowledgeable about the SEND Code of Practice and current SEND legislation.
• An inspiring leader who can influence practice and champion inclusive education.
• An excellent communicator with strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative and committed to working effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Reflective, resilient and dedicated to continuous professional development.
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Experience

• Experience within a specialist or therapeutic school setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches.
• Experience leading multi‑agency meetings and contributing to EHCP documentation.
• Previous leadership experience or the ambition to contribute at Senior Leadership level.

Learning at Wessex Lodge goes far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor spaces across all three sites offer meaningful opportunities for pupils to regulate, connect and engage. These environments, whether it be out in the the community or time with animals, are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• \"Your Wellbeing Matters\" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support