At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop SEND practices to support diverse learners in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Riseley Green School, an independent specialist school for autistic young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and extensive mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with unique needs every day.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in inclusive or specialist settings.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to innovative education and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £40,000 per year (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am-4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable SENCo to help shape and strengthen the specialist provision within our SEN school. This key role sits at the heart of our community, ensuring every pupil—each with their own unique needs, strengths, and learning journey—receives personalised, high‐quality support. Working alongside the Headteacher and therapy team, you will lead the strategic development of SEND practice, champion an inclusive and nurturing environment, and ensure pupils make meaningful progress academically, socially, and personally.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils and families by working with parents/carers to understand needs and plan effective provision
- Lead on EHC plan processes, ensuring provision is accurate, relevant, and impactful
- Oversee transitions into, through, and beyond the school
- Guide staff in adapting teaching methods and environments for complex needs
- Work with teachers and therapists to identify needs early and implement a strong graduated approach
- Ensure baselining, assessments and progress monitoring are purposeful and personalised
- Shape an annual SEND improvement plan with the Headteacher
- Identify whole‐school patterns and use insights to strengthen SEND practice
- Support staff development by identifying training needs and promoting high‐quality CPD
- Ensure reasonable adjustments, access arrangements and equality requirements are fully met
- Collaborate with behaviour and well‐being teams to maintain a calm, supportive environment
- Keep accurate, up‐to‐date SEND records across the school
Requirements / Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings
- Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
- Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well‐being
About Us
Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years. Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils, catering to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.
Why Join Options Autism?
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.
Benefits
Health and well‐being are important to us. You'll receive a market‐leading 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
- Flexibility through Vista, our Flexible Benefits Platform, offering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits and discount options
Compliance and EEO Statement
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.
SENCo/PPA Cover in Riseley employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo/PPA Cover in Riseley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEND. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and support their pupils. Tailor your examples to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that SENCo role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and passion for supporting pupils with diverse needs. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo/PPA Cover in Riseley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the SENCo role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with diverse needs shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, as we love to see genuine commitment to pupil well-being.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on your key achievements and skills that relate directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest practices, legislation, and strategies that support diverse learning profiles. This will show your passion and commitment to providing high-quality support.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully supported pupils with complex needs. Be ready to discuss how you adapted teaching methods or collaborated with other professionals. These examples will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about how you work with others. Highlight your experience in leading teams, guiding staff, and working alongside therapists. This will illustrate your ability to foster a supportive environment for both pupils and colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to SEND and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.