At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs and ensure effective provision.
- Company: Join Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education focused on positive outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive and progressive work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status or equivalent; SENCO qualification preferred or willingness to complete.
- Other info: Work in a stunning Victorian country house with access to beautiful outdoor spaces.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
Do you have the right skills and experience for this role Read on to find out, and make your application.
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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Assistant SENCo
Location: The Grange Therapeutic School, Knossington, Oakham LE15 8LY
Salary: Up to £42,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon to Thurs 8.30am – 4.30pm, Fri 8.30am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only plus 5 days for training
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant SENCo to join our close-knit team at The Grange Therapeutic School, part of Acorn Education.
About the role
The SENCO will ensure that Special Education Needs provision is effective and efficiently managed and that all legal and statutory requirements are met for students needing SEN.
The SENCO will work within a small team who have the responsibility to take on the day-to-day responsibility in the Education Team to provide professional guidance of SEN to teaching staff in order to maintain and increase a high-quality standard of teaching, to make good use of resources to improve standards and achieve positive outcomes for the students.
As part of a team, review, attend and lead EHCP reviews for pupils. Liaise with class teachers in advance of meetings to ensure up to date information is collected and collated. Liaise with multi-agency professionals, Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that all outcomes are updated, outcomes are shared with class teams and other key staff as well as external professionals.
Key task areas and responsibilities
Liaise with parents/carers about pupil’s needs and any provision made
Work with the Senior Leadership Team to regularly review and evaluate the breadth and impact of SEND support the school offers or can access and co-operate with the LA in reviewing the provision that is available locally and in developing the local offer
Work with the therapy team, teaching staff and SLT to identify patterns in the schools identification of SEN, both within the school and in comparison, with national data, and use these to reflect on and reinforce the quality of teaching
Be a point of contact for external agencies, especially the LA and its supportive services, and work with external agencies to ensure that appropriate provision is provided
Liaise with potential next providers of education to make sure that the pupil and their parents are informed about options and that a smooth transition is planned
Plan and chair annual review meetings of pupils with Education, Health and Care plans and produce reports, ensuring that the SEND code of practice is complied with
Ensure teaching staff have the most up to date EHCP’s for pupils and that pupils are working towards the correct targets
Qualifications Required
Qualified teacher status or equivalent
Completed the SENCO qualification/willing to complete within the next two years
About Us
The Grange Therapeutic School is an independent school for students aged 8 -18 years with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Our school is based in a Victorian country house near Oakham with stunning views and fantastic facilities to develop not only the educational, but also the social and emotional needs of our pupils. With access to woods and lakes on site, the school has an ethos about delivering a personalised curriculum tailored to, and driven by, the individuals. Behaviour is currently rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
We need hardworking, pupil centred staff who are resilient and willing to go the extra mile. In return we offer significant investment in your professional development, a supportive staff group and opportunities for progression.
Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
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
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
Cycle to Work Schemes
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
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. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
#1
Assistant SENCO employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant SENCO
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SEN Code of Practice and current legislation regarding special educational needs. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of special education. Attend local workshops or seminars, and connect with current or former staff at The Grange Therapeutic School to gain insights into their culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with special educational needs. Be ready to share examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with teachers and parents.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Outcomes First Group and their approach to education. Understanding their ethos and values will allow you to tailor your responses during the interview, showing that you're aligned with their mission and vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant SENCO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Assistant SENCo role. Focus on your qualifications, particularly your teaching status and any SENCO qualifications or training you've completed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Mention specific experiences where you've made a positive impact and how you can contribute to the ethos of The Grange Therapeutic School.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are crucial for liaising with parents, teachers, and external agencies effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Assistant SENCO. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific tasks mentioned, such as liaising with parents and leading EHCP reviews.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Highlight your qualifications, especially if you have completed the SENCO qualification or are willing to do so. Be ready to explain how your teaching background and any relevant training will help you succeed in this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Express your commitment to improving the lives of students with special educational needs. Share examples from your past experiences that illustrate your dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the school's approach to SEND support and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.