SENCo

JR United Kingdom; Settle; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated SENCo to join their supportive team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the strategic development of SEND policies and make a significant impact on pupils' lives. You will work closely with the Headteacher and therapy team, ensuring that students with complex needs receive the highest quality of education and support. The organization values work-life balance, offering a unique 4-Day Working Week trial, allowing you to work fewer days while maintaining full pay. Join a forward-thinking team that prioritizes wellbeing and innovation in education.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Health Checks

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Schemes

Critical Illness Cover

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave

Christmas Gift Vouchers

Team Building Days

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in special educational needs coordination.
• Ability to lead and manage EHCP processes effectively.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice and statutory responsibilities.
• Provide guidance to staff and collaborate with external agencies.

Skills

Management Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of SEND Policy

Communication Skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

SENCo Qualification

Job description

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How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job Title: SENCo

Salary: £38,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a SENCo to join our close-knit team at Underley Garden School, part of Options Autism.

About the role

As a SENCo, you will work with the Headteacher and therapy team to determine the strategic development of the SEND policy.

The SENCo will provide professional guidance to colleagues and liaise and work with staff, parents, and other agencies to ensure that pupils with SEN receive appropriate support and high-quality teaching.

Advising on the graduated approach, providing SEN support, and implementing differentiated teaching methods tailored for individual pupils are key aspects of the role.

Supporting pupils with complex communication needs, autism, and associated learning and emotional needs is important and rewarding. You will benefit from the support of our experienced teams and will have a direct, positive impact on pupils’ lives.

Who we are looking for

We seek an outstanding, innovative, and determined SENCo responsible for the strategic leadership and development of our SEND provision, with the tenacity to turn ideas into reality.

You will be an integral part of the Senior Team, helping to provide strategic, managerial, and operational direction, especially concerning the Quality of Education, influencing the future outcomes of the school.

The successful candidate must demonstrate excellent management, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a commitment to equality of opportunity and accountability.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Ensure statutory responsibilities regarding all students with an EHCP are fulfilled.
2. Chair EHCP Review Meetings or oversee their management.
3. Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice.
4. Implement and maintain the SEN policy according to current regulations.
5. Support teaching staff in completing PEPs (Designated Teacher).
6. Collaborate with the Clinical Lead to ensure appropriate clinical provision for pupils.
7. Send EHCP review invitations to relevant parties in a timely manner.
8. Complete paperwork for EHCP reviews.
9. Monitor progress towards EHCP outcomes.
10. Oversee and monitor the quality of EHCPs and support plans, maintaining detailed records for meetings.

About Us

Underley Garden School caters to pupils aged 5-19 with complex needs related to autism and learning disabilities, including communication, sensory, and behavioral challenges.

Our holistic, person-centered approach aims to maximize each pupil’s potential through education, care, and therapy tailored to their needs.

Located near Kirkby Lonsdale, on the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, we are within commuting distance of Lancaster, Cumbria, and surrounding areas.

Options Autism has provided care and education for over 16 years, and as part of Outcomes First Group, we lead sector innovations to deliver measurable outcomes. In 2024, we were recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.

Why join Options Autism?

Our reward package includes:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with optional contributions
• Access to mental health support and health checks through “Your Wellbeing Matters”

Additional benefits via Vista include:

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

Additional School Benefits

• Christmas Gift Vouchers
• BUPA Wellbeing Health Expenses, Employee Assistance, and Healthline
• Team Building Days

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting pupils’ welfare. All applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.

Note: You’ll work 80% of contractual hours for 100% of pay, supporting work/life balance. The 4DWW is subject to successful probation and is not a contractual benefit.