SENCO

Wessex Lodge School; Frome; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Wessex Lodge School is seeking a dedicated SENCO to enhance the quality of education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This role encompasses strategic leadership and collaboration with various stakeholders, focusing on maximizing pupil potential through tailored support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in supporting pupils with complex needs, a solid understanding of SEND legislation, and a commitment to pupil wellbeing. Benefits include life assurance, pension options, and wellbeing support services.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension options

Wellbeing support services

Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting pupils with complex needs, particularly SEMH and ASD.
• Understanding of SEND Code of Practice and current legislation.
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings and writing EHCP contributions.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives for pupils with SEND.
• Coordinate with staff, families, and external professionals.
• Oversee staff training and pupil support.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Understanding of trauma-informed practices

Education

National Award for SEN Coordination

Job description

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As SENCO, you will play a key strategic and operational role in ensuring high-quality provision for all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

You will work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, families, and external professionals to coordinate inclusive education and tailored support, helping pupils achieve their full potential.

This role could be an SLT position overseeing parts of the Inspection framework for a suitably qualified and experienced candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Pupil Support and Progress
• Staff Support and Training
• Partnership Working
• FULL UK Driving Licence
• National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to complete within 3 years)
• Proven experience supporting pupils with complex needs, particularly SEMH and ASD
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and current legislation
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing
• Experience working in a specialist or therapeutic school setting
• Understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings and writing EHCP contributions

About Us

Wessex Lodge School comprises three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary in Frome, and Newmead Farm in Maiden Bradley. Our sites offer students the opportunity to explore a diverse curriculum, including animal care, horticulture, DT, forest school, and sports.

Our students are aged 6 to 18, each with individual needs. Supported by the THRIVE approach and our skilled staff, we aim to improve life outcomes for every student.

Our staff come from diverse backgrounds, with skills in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry, and more. If you have related interests or qualifications, we would love to hear from you!

Acorn Education, part of Outcomes First Group, is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education, committed to innovative approaches and measurable outcomes. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.

We offer an exceptional benefits package, including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension options
• Wellbeing support services

Through our Vista platform, you can select benefits such as:

• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and fertility treatments

We are dedicated to safeguarding pupils. All applicants will undergo social media checks and DBS screening.

Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive many suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay, subject to successful probation. This is not a contractual benefit.