At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate high-quality SEND provision for students at Westbourne School.
- Company: Join Outcomes First Group, a certified 'Great Place to Work' focused on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while promoting inclusion and positive outcomes.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and strong knowledge of SEND practices preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Start: April 2026. UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first. That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.
As SENCo at Westbourne School, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the strategic development and day-to-day coordination of high-quality SEND provision. Working under the guidance of the Lead SENCo, you'll collaborate with teachers, parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure pupils with SEND receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This role combines leadership, coordination, and hands-on involvement in SEND delivery, ensuring every pupil achieves their potential.
Key Responsibilities- Support the implementation, review, and development of the school's SEN policy and provision.
- Maintain the SEND register and provision map, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- Provide professional guidance to teaching staff to promote inclusive teaching and effective interventions.
- Monitor pupil progress, analyse data, and evaluate the impact of provision.
- Lead EHCP reviews and maintain strong communication with parents and carers.
- Act as a key liaison with local authorities, health professionals, and other external agencies.
- Support staff development, including delivering SEND-focused training and INSET sessions.
- Work with senior leaders to ensure compliance with statutory duties, the Equality Act 2010, and inclusive school practice.
- Lead and manage TAs working with pupils with SEND, including performance monitoring and appraisals.
- Qualified Teacher Status (desirable).
- National Award for SEN Co-ordination/NPQ SEN, or willingness to complete within 3 years of appointment.
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory SEN duties.
- Experience coordinating SEND provision and working with pupils with additional needs.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
- Committed to promoting inclusion, positive outcomes, and a nurturing environment.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
Westbourne School is a specialist provision for pupils aged 11-18, growing to 85 students across two sites. We offer a broad, balanced curriculum blending academic, vocational, and life-skills learning tailored to individual needs. A trauma-informed, holistic approach supports personal, social, and emotional development alongside therapeutic input. Our focus is on empowering every pupil to achieve success and prepare confidently for education, training, or employment.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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.
Why Join UsWe 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 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.
Benefits- 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
Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Senco employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senco
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the SEND Code of Practice and recent developments in inclusive education. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion during those crucial conversations!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your hands-on experience! Whether it’s leading EHCP reviews or training staff, make sure you highlight specific examples that demonstrate your skills and commitment to supporting pupils with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that SENCo role! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senco
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the SENCo role. Highlight your experience with SEND provision and how it aligns with our values at Westbourne School. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in communication, leadership, and organisation will benefit our pupils. We love seeing real examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about promoting inclusion and making a positive difference in young people's lives. Be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and statutory duties before your interview. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting pupils with additional needs will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also ready to implement it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a SENCo, you'll be leading and coordinating efforts across the school. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlighting your experience in staff development and training will demonstrate your capability to foster an inclusive environment.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think about real-life situations you've encountered in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges related to SEND provision, such as EHCP reviews or communication with parents and external agencies. This will help interviewers see your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Westbourne School and Outcomes First Group's commitment to wellbeing and inclusion. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding promoting positive outcomes for pupils. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.