Assistant Headteacher SENCo

Are you ready to make a real impact in a brand-new specialist school? As part of our expanding Options Autism family, we're searching for a dynamic and passionate Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo) to help shape its future from the ground up. This is your chance to be part of something truly exciting: building an inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational environment where every pupil is supported to succeed.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will also contribute to the school day through some teaching as needed—helping you stay connected to classroom practice and our pupils' daily experiences. We’re looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking SEN professional who is committed to transforming the lives of children with a diverse range of needs. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive the development of SEND practice, working closely with the Headteacher, Deputy head and teaching staff, and our in‑house therapy team to deliver personalised, high-quality support for every learner.

You’ll champion inclusive approaches, guide colleagues with confidence, and ensure our pupils make meaningful progress—academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Build strong, supportive relationships with pupils and families, ensuring provision meets individual needs.
• Lead all EHC plan processes with accuracy, clarity, and impact.
• Oversee smooth transitions into, within, and beyond the school.
• Coach staff to adapt teaching and learning for complex and varied SEND profiles.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to embed a robust graduated approach.
• Ensure baselining, assessment, and progress tracking are purposeful and personalised.
• Shape and drive the school's annual SEND improvement plan.
• Analyse whole‑school trends and use insight to refine provision.
• Promote staff development through identifying training needs and championing high-quality CPD.
• Collaborate with behaviour and well‑being teams to maintain a calm, supportive environment.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• SENCo qualification – not essential but a willingness to work towards this qualification is needed.
• Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings.
• Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles.
• Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well‑being.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date SEND records across the school.
• Teach across a variety of classes within the school as part of your weekly responsibilities.
• The successful candidate will be flexible in their approach to an ever‑growing and changing role.

Trimdon Hill School is a brand-new school meeting the needs of 40 young people aged 4‑11, with a diagnosis of autism and who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication and sensory difficulties. Situated in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, our school building has been refurbished and re‑designed to the highest standard to meet the needs of our amazing young people.

The aim of the education provided at Trimdon Hill school is to develop social interaction and communication skills to allow young people to express their needs and to stimulate curiosity in the world around them. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties.

As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence‑based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. 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.

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…