Help young people thrive through creativity and inclusive education
The Orpheus Centre is a vibrant specialist college that empowers young disabled adults to develop independence, confidence and life skills through the creative and performing arts. Guided by our values of being joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined, we are committed to helping every learner achieve their aspirations.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Deputy SENCo to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled SEND professional to support the leadership and development of student support provision across the college while making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time (52 weeks per year)
Location: Godstone, Surrey
Contract: Full-time/permanent
Important information regarding visa sponsorship
Please note that the Orpheus Centre is not a licensed sponsor organisation and therefore is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of their employment.
About the role
Working closely with the Assistant Principal - SENCo, you will play a key role in coordinating and delivering high-quality support for learners across the college. You will help ensure students receive the personalised support they need to achieve positive outcomes, while working collaboratively with families, therapists, local authorities and multidisciplinary professionals.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deputising for the Assistant Principal - SENCo when required
- Chairing EHCP Annual Review meetings
- Leading multidisciplinary meetings and coordinating student support strategies
- Supporting admissions, assessments and transitions for prospective learners
- Liaising with local authorities, health professionals and external agencies
- Coordinating interventions and targeted support for students
- Supporting staff through training, guidance and the implementation of effective strategies
- Monitoring provision to ensure students are making progress towards their goals and aspirations.
About You
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive individual who is passionate about SEND and committed to achieving the best outcomes for learners.
You will have:
- A teaching qualification
- Excellent experience working with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Strong knowledge of the EHCP Annual Review process
- Excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with students, families and professionals
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Teams
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The following would be advantageous:
- SEND-related qualifications
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
- Experience in a specialist further education setting
- Makaton skills.
Why join Orpheus?
At Orpheus, you'll be part of a supportive and passionate team that believes every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We offer ongoing professional development and the chance to contribute to a truly life-changing educational environment.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
The Orpheus Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young adults. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references.
This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We value difference and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and supportive workplace.
In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.
For a full job description and person specification, click below or paste into your browser:
Deputy SENCo JD (Oct 2026).pdf
Disability Confident Leader
The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, as set out in the person specification. This does not mean that all disabled applicants will automatically be invited to interview, but it does ensure that disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential requirements are given the opportunity to show their skills, experience and abilities at interview.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we are:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration
No agencies please.
Deputy SENCo in Godstone employer: The Orpheus Centre
At the Orpheus Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young adults with disabilities through the arts. Our warm and friendly work environment fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact every day. Located in Godstone, Surrey, you'll be part of an ambitious organisation committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people while enjoying a supportive culture that values inclusivity and personal development.
