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At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Role:         SENCo

Location:  Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA

Salary:      From £32,000 per annum dependent on experience (not pro rata)

Hours:       40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

AS part of our continued growth in service, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a SENCo to join our close-knit team at Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education.

About the role

As SENCO, you will play a key strategic and operational role in ensuring high-quality provision for all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

You will work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, families, and external professionals to coordinate inclusive education and tailored support, helping pupils achieve their full potential. 

This role could be an SLT position overseeing parts of the Inspection framework for a suitably qualified and experienced candidate

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Pupil Support and Progress

Staff Support and Training

Partnership Working

Essential:

FULL UK Driving Licence

National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to complete within 3 years)

Proven experience supporting pupils with a range of complex needs, particularly SEMH and ASD

Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and current legislation

Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills

Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing

Desirable:

Experience working in a specialist or therapeutic school setting

Understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches

Experience leading multi-agency meetings and writing EHCP contributions

About Us

Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.

Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

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? 

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.

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils 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. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*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.

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