SENCO

Job Title:

SENCO

Location:

Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA

Hours:

40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary:
From £38,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:
July 2026

Do you believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the barriers they face? Are you an experienced SEND professional ready to influence whole‑school practice, inspire colleagues, and ensure children and young people receive the exceptional support they deserve?

At Wessex Lodge School, we are looking for an outstanding SENCO to join our specialist team and help shape the future of inclusive education within our therapeutic setting. This role is far more than coordination—it's an opportunity to lead, innovate and advocate for some of the most vulnerable learners, ensuring every pupil is understood, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.

• Lead and develop the school's SEND provision, ensuring it reflects current legislation, best practice and an inclusive ethos.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and support of pupils with SEND to secure the best possible outcomes.
• Lead the development and review of EHCPs, ensuring statutory compliance and meaningful involvement from pupils and families.
• Monitor pupil progress and use data to implement effective interventions that drive achievement and wellbeing.
• Coach and support staff in high‑quality SEND practice, adaptive teaching and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Work collaboratively with education, therapy and care teams to deliver joined‑up, holistic support.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies, including Educational Psychologists, CAMHS and Local Authorities.
• Contribute to whole‑school improvement and strategic development, including aspects of the inspection framework for suitably experienced candidates.

• Qualified with the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or willing to complete it within three years.
• Experienced in supporting pupils with complex SEND, particularly SEMH and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
• Knowledgeable about the SEND Code of Practice and current SEND legislation.
• Inspiring leader who can influence practice and champion inclusive education.
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and securing outstanding outcomes.
• Collaborative and committed to working effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Reflective, resilient and dedicated to continuous professional development.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience with in a specialist or therapeutic school setting.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware approaches.
• Experience leading multi‑agency meetings and contributing to EHCP documentation.
• Previous leadership experience or the ambition to contribute at Senior Leadership level.

Wessex Lodge School offers meaningful opportunities for pupils to regulate, connect and engage in our outdoor spaces across all three sites. These environments—whether out in the community or with animals—are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious.

Acorn Education, part of Outcomes First Group, is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. We deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and, for successful applicants, 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

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.

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