SENCO

Acorn Care and Education; Gunnislake; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Gunnislake is seeking a passionate SENCo to enhance the support for pupils with Special Educational Needs. This full-time, permanent role offers a competitive salary up to £40,000 per annum, with a focus on leading and developing SEND provision. Join our dedicated team in a nurturing environment that values personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Health and wellbeing benefits

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent required.
• Experience working with pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Strong understanding of Special Educational Needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the school’s SEND policy.
• Provide guidance to colleagues for differentiated teaching approaches.
• Liaise with parents and external agencies to coordinate provision.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Strong understanding of Special Educational Needs

Experience with emotional and behavioural difficulties

Proven ability to lead and support staff

Excellent communication and organisational skills

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: SENCo
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm | Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only: This role does not offer sponsorship.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced SENCo to join our dedicated team and lead the strategic development of our SEND provision. This is a pivotal role, working closely with the Headteacher, therapy team, teaching staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure every pupil with Special Educational Needs receives the support, guidance, and high-quality teaching they deserve.

About the Role

As our SENCo, you will:

• Lead the implementation and day-to-day operation of the school’s SEND policy
• Provide professional guidance to colleagues, supporting differentiated teaching approaches tailored to individual needs
• Work with the Headteacher and school governors to ensure the school meets its statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, including reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to coordinate provision and plan smooth transitions for pupils
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of SEND support, identifying trends to enhance teaching quality
• Oversee baseline and screening assessments, and support targeted interventions to improve pupil progress in literacy, numeracy, and wider curriculum areas
• Contribute to the development of a calm, purposeful, and inclusive learning environment
• Identify staff training needs in relation to SEND and support professional development plans
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all pupils with SEND and contribute to the school’s SEN Information Report

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Strong understanding of the complexities of Special Educational Needs
• Experience working with pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties, including those with challenging behaviour
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and support staff to improve outcomes for pupils
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues

About Us

Copper Fields School provides full-time specialist co-education for up to 60 pupils aged 4-16, who have a primary need of Autism Spectrum, communication and language and often additional needs.

Our vision to empower our learners to achieve their best outcomes is achieved through high quality education, in preparation for life. Our wonderful setting in Gunnislake facilitates a nurturing approach for students who have found the mainstream environment unable to meet their needs and a barrier to them being the best they can be. We pride ourselves on our culture of everyone being a unique individual. Together we achieve, through recognising and harnessing our strengths. We aim to unearth hidden talents and interests, inspire and empower.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.