SENCO / Deputy Lead

Senploy; Bexleyheath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Senploy is recruiting a SENCO for a therapeutic outdoor learning provision in the Welling area. The role is designed as a stepping-stone into a Deputy Lead position, with a focus on shaping SEND provision, leading staff, and safeguarding within a DSL framework.

You'll work in an outdoor setting with a therapeutic team, delivering Nature-based learning, overseeing EHCPs, and driving strategic improvement across the centre while modelling resilience in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• QTS and NASENCO qualifications are required/advantageous.
• SENCO experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Enhanced DBS on update service is preferred.
• Strong SEN/SEMH and therapeutic approach understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND provision across the centre with high-quality practice and compliance.
• Oversee EHCP implementation, reviews and personalised learning pathways.
• Provide line-management, coaching and accountability for education staff.
• Support safeguarding as part of the DSL/DDSL team.
• Collaborate with therapy teams to deliver holistic support.
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Champion outdoor learning and model engagement in all weather conditions.

Skills

Leadership

DSL duties

Stakeholder collaboration

Outdoor learning passion

Education

QTS

NASENCO Award

Job description

SENCO / Deputy Lead - Therapeutic Outdoor Learning Provision

A therapeutic outdoor learning service in the Welling area is recruiting an ambitious SENCO who is ready to step into a wider leadership role. This is a truly unique setting where education takes place outdoors, in nature, and in partnership with a dedicated therapeutic team. Learners are supported through a blend of structured teaching, hands‑on activities and relationship‑based practice - all delivered outdoors come rain or shine.

This role is ideal for a SENCO with team‑leader or line‑management experience who is looking to progress into a Deputy‑level position. You'll play a central role in shaping SEND provision, guiding staff, and supporting safeguarding as part of the DSL team.

About the Provision

• Outdoor‑based curriculum rooted in nature, exploration and experiential learning
• Outdoor‑based curriculum rooted in nature, exploration and experiential learning
• Therapeutic centre with multidisciplinary support woven into daily routines
• Therapeutic centre with multidisciplinary support woven into daily routines
• Small groups, calm structures and a nurturing, relationship‑focused ethos
• Small groups, calm structures and a nurturing, relationship‑focused ethos
• Leadership team committed to developing future senior leaders and promoting wellbeing
• Leadership team committed to developing future senior leaders and promoting wellbeing

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SEND provision across the centre, ensuring high‑quality practice and compliance
• Lead SEND provision across the centre, ensuring high‑quality practice and compliance
• Oversee EHCP implementation, reviews and personalised learning pathways
• Oversee EHCP implementation, reviews and personalised learning pathways
• Provide line‑management, coaching and accountability for education staff
• Provide line‑management, coaching and accountability for education staff
• Support safeguarding as part of the DSL/DDSL team
• Support safeguarding as part of the DSL/DDSL team
• Work collaboratively with therapy teams to deliver holistic support
• Work collaboratively with therapy teams to deliver holistic support
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Champion outdoor learning and model engagement in all weather conditions
• Champion outdoor learning and model engagement in all weather conditions

Requirements

• QTS
• QTS
• NASENCO Award
• NASENCO Award
• SENCO experience with some leadership or line‑management responsibilities
• SENCO experience with some leadership or line‑management responsibilities
• Confidence stepping into a Deputy‑level role with DSL duties
• Confidence stepping into a Deputy‑level role with DSL duties
• Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND and therapeutic approaches
• Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND and therapeutic approaches
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service
• A genuine passion for outdoor learning and nature‑based education
• A genuine passion for outdoor learning and nature‑based education

If you're an experienced SENCO ready to grow into a Deputy role within a therapeutic outdoor setting, this temp‑to‑perm position offers a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact while progressing your leadership career.