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- Tasks: Lead SEND development and safeguarding in a brand-new Autistic school.
- Company: Trimdon Hill School, a forward-thinking educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for children with Autism and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with Autism and complex learning needs required.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and support for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
Salary: £43,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday 8:30‑5:00, Tuesday 8:30‑4:30, Wednesday 8:30‑5:00, Thursday 8:30‑4:00, Friday 8:30‑4:00)
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start date: February 2026
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead to shape the future of our brand-new Autistic school. This role is a dual leadership position that drives quality SEND provision, protects safeguarding culture, and supports the school’s strategic vision.
Responsibilities
- 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 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.
- Take lead responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school.
- Act as 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, 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.
Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Experience of supporting children with Autism and complex learning needs.
- Proven success as a SENCo, including leading EHCP processes and multi‑agency collaboration.
- 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.
- This role is not suitable for ECTs/NQTs.
Benefits
- Lifelong Award Assurance pension scheme.
- Wellbeing Matters access to first‑class mental health support and physical health checks.
- Flexible Benefits Platform with health, wellbeing and insurance options.
- Cycle to Work and electric car purchase schemes.
- Critical illness cover and inclusive parental leave package.
SENCo and Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in Bath employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo and Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who work with SEND or safeguarding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in shaping an inclusive environment for autistic students. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership in SEND and safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We want to see your application, and it’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there!
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo and Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and safeguarding. We want to see how your skills align with the role of SENCo and DSL, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with Autism and complex learning needs shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share your motivation and commitment in your written application.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Trimdon Hill School.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND policies and practices. Brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Safeguarding Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've handled safeguarding issues in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a trauma-informed environment and how you’ve trained staff on safeguarding protocols. This will demonstrate your commitment to pupil welfare.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research Trimdon Hill School’s ethos and strategic vision. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially regarding inclusion and high expectations. Showing that you understand and can contribute to their mission will set you apart.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a SENCo and DSL, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve built partnerships with families and external professionals. Practising clear and confident communication will help you convey your ideas and experiences during the interview.
