SENCo/Assistant Headteacher

Acorn Care and Education; Reading; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in Reading is seeking an inspiring SENCo / Assistant Headteacher to transform the lives of students aged 4–16 with diverse needs. The role involves driving SEND practices, leading EHC plan processes, and fostering inclusive approaches with staff. Ideal candidates will hold a QTS and SENCo qualification, and have experience in similar settings. The position offers a salary up to £48,000 per year in a supportive environment dedicated to student progress.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme options

Mental health support services

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• SENCo qualification is required.
• Experience in specialist or inclusive settings is vital.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive relationships with pupils and families.
• Lead all EHC plan processes with accuracy.
• Shape and drive the school’s annual SEND improvement plan.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience in specialist or inclusive settings

Strong understanding of complex SEND profiles

Commitment to personalised learning

Education

SENCo qualification

Job description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy! This is your opportunity to help shape something truly special at Riseley Green School, our brand-new specialist school that opened in May 2025 in Riseley, Reading, Berkshire.

With capacity for 60 pupils aged 4–16 years, we support children and young people with autism (ASC) and complex needs—providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

Job title: SENCo / Assistant Headteacher

Location: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF

Salary: Up to £48,000 per year (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am-4:30pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time only

Start: January 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

About the Role

We’re looking for an inspiring and forward‑thinking SEN professional who is committed to transforming the lives of children with a diverse range of needs. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive the development of outstanding SEND practice, working closely with the Headteacher, teaching staff, and our in‑house therapy team to deliver personalised, high‑quality support for every learner.

You’ll champion inclusive approaches, guide colleagues with confidence, and ensure our pupils make meaningful progress—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong, supportive relationships with pupils and families, ensuring provision meets individual needs
• Lead all EHC plan processes with accuracy, clarity, and impact
• Oversee smooth transitions into, within, and beyond the school
• Coach staff to adapt teaching and learning for complex and varied SEND profiles
• Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to embed a robust graduated approach
• Ensure baselining, assessment, and progress tracking are purposeful and personalised
• Shape and drive the school’s annual SEND improvement plan
• Analyse whole‑school trends and use insight to refine provision
• Promote staff development through identifying training needs and championing high‑quality CPD
• Ensure access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, and equality requirements are met
• Collaborate with behaviour and well‑being teams to maintain a calm, supportive environment
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date SEND records across the school
• Provide PPA cover within the school as part of your weekly responsibilities

Requirements / Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• SENCo qualification
• Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings
• Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
• Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well‑being

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.

About Us

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years. Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils. The school caters to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.

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.

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 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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• 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
• And a market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• 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.