Senco

Are you a passionate SEND professional ready to make a real difference across an entire school. We're looking for an inspiring and committed SENCO to lead and develop our SEND provision, ensuring every pupil receives the right support, opportunities and encouragement to thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to take a strategic lead in shaping high-quality SEND provision, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, teachers, pastoral and clinical teams, families and external professionals. You'll play a key role in ensuring our pupils' individual needs are understood, their EHCP outcomes are achieved and their voices are heard. What You'll Be Doing As SENCO, you'll provide strategic leadership for SEND across the school while remaining closely connected to pupils, staff and families.

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the school's SEND provision, ensuring it meets the requirements of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Coordinate EHCP provision, Annual Reviews and provision mapping, using data and evidence to monitor impact and improve outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral and clinical teams, parents, the local authority and external agencies to ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time.
• Contribute to school improvement, self-evaluation and staff development, helping to build a whole-school culture where inclusion and high expectations are at the heart of everything we do.
• Champion the inclusion of pupils with SEND, ensuring they can access the curriculum, wider school life and opportunities to develop their confidence and independence.
  
  We're looking for someone who is knowledgeable, collaborative and passionate about improving outcomes for pupils with SEND.
• QTS or QTLS and either hold the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or be willing to complete it within three years.
• Teaching or HLTA experience, ideally with experience working across a whole-school setting.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and current SEND practice.
• Experience of using assessment and other data to evaluate provision and inform planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work with staff, families and a wide range of professionals.
• A strategic mindset, strong organisational skills and the ability to influence, negotiate and drive positive change.
• Driving licence required
  
  Options Trent Acres School is an independent specialist school in rural Staffordshire for pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs.
We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development. Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. 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.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
+ Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits + Hundreds of UK and international discounts + Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme + Critical illness cover + Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support