SENCo and Designated safeguarding lead; DSL

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy. We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Trimdon Hill School, a brand-new Options Autism school in County Durham, providing exceptional education and support for pupils with Autism and other complex needs.

We are now recruiting a dedicated SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the team and help shape the future of this school.

• Title: SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Location:
  Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
  
• Salary: £43,000 per annum (not pro rata)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday 8.30am-5pm | Tuesday 8.30am-4.30pm | Wednesday 8.30am-5pm | Thursday 8.30am-4pm | Friday 8.30am-4pm
• Contract:
  Permanent, Term Time Only
• Start date:
  February 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

This is more than a dual role — it’s a career-defining opportunity to make a lasting difference in a school where creativity is encouraged, wellbeing is prioritised, and every child’s potential is celebrated.

As SENCo, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the quality and direction of our SEND provision. You’ll:

• Lead the strategic development of SEND across the school, working closely with the Headteacher and therapy team
• Oversee EHCPs, learning plans, assessments, and progression data to ensure each pupil receives personalised support
• Guide and coach teachers in delivering high-quality, differentiated, and autism-aware learning
• Build strong partnerships with families, local authorities, and external professionals
• Promote a culture of inclusion, high expectations, and continuous professional growth
• Lead on staff CPD, focusing on SEND, autism strategies, and evidence-based practice
• Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding policies, and best-practice record keeping

As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you’ll be at the heart of our safeguarding culture. You will:

• Take lead responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school
• Be the first point of contact for concerns, responding swiftly and effectively in line with KCSIE and local authority procedures
• Champion a trauma-informed, autism-aware approach to safeguarding
• Deliver ongoing training and support to staff, building confidence and vigilance across the team
• Maintain detailed and compliant records, referrals, and audits, and report regularly to governors
• Represent the school at multi-agency meetings, ensuring pupil welfare is always the highest priority
• Support staff in understanding and responding to the unique safeguarding needs of pupils with communication barriers

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a compassionate, resilient, and forward-thinking leader with a deep passion for SEND, safeguarding, and empowering young people with complex needs to thrive.

You’ll need to have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• A SENDCo qualification
• Extensive experience supporting children with Autism and complex learning needs
• Proven success as a SENCo, including leading EHCP processes and multi-agency collaboration
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding frameworks and legislation (KCSIE, Working Together, Equality Act 2010)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
• The confidence to engage effectively with families, external professionals, and governors

Please note:
This role is not suitable for ECTs/NQTs.

Trimdon Hill School isn’t just a new school — it’s a place where every child is supported to shine. Join us and help shape this exciting journey from day one!

About Us

Trimdon Hill School, located in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, is a brand-new school that opened in June 2025. The school caters for 40 pupils aged 4 to 11 years with a diagnosis of autism, who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication challenges, and sensory difficulties.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new…