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Job Title:  SENCo/Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion and Personal Development)
Location:  Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Hours:  37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:  Up to £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

The Assistant Headteacher/SENCo holds strategic responsibility for the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s SEND provision. This role combines senior leadership with operational oversight, ensuring that the school’s SEN policy is effectively delivered on a day-to-day basis and that all pupils achieve strong progress academically, socially and emotionally. The balance of responsibilities will reflect the evolving needs of the school, with a clear focus on raising standards, strengthening inclusive practice and embedding a culture of high expectations for every learner.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership of SEND – Lead the development and implementation of the school’s SEN policy, driving improvements in achievement, progress and standards across the curriculum.
• Assessment, Monitoring & Progress – Oversee baseline assessments, bi-annual re-testing, and robust progress tracking; ensure accurate record-keeping, analysis of pupil groups, and rigorous evaluation of interventions for impact.
• EHCPs & Individual Planning – Ensure high-quality IEPs, Communication Plans and related documentation are in place and regularly reviewed; lead annual review reporting and termly pupil progress meetings.
• Intervention & Therapy Oversight – Lead Literacy and Numeracy interventions and manage therapist teams; work collaboratively with SALT and other professionals to coordinate assessment and targeted support.
• Quality Assurance & Staff Development – Play a key role in the school’s quality assurance cycle; deliver whole-staff training, promote effective differentiation, identify professional development needs and line manage intervention staff.
• Whole-School Leadership & Ethos – Contribute to school improvement planning, policy development and the promotion of trauma-informed and inclusive practice, ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils.
• Partnerships & Communication – Build strong relationships with parents, governors, external agencies and the wider community; provide clear reporting, professional guidance and effective liaison to ensure continuity and consistency of provision.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role for an experienced SEND professional who is passionate about inclusive education and committed to ensuring every pupil reaches their full potential.

About You

• UK QTS
• Full UK Driving Licence
• National Award for SEN Co-ordination/NPQSEND
• Up‑to‑date professional development and relevant qualifications

About Us

Bluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision set to open in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 11 to 16, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.

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 Us?

We 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 the 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.

• 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

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.

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