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This is your opportunity to help shape something truly special at Riseley Green School, our brand-new specialist school that opened in May 2025 in Riseley, Berkshire.

With capacity for 60 pupils aged 4–16 years, we support children and young people with autism (ASC) and complex needs — providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

Job title: SENCo / PPA Cover
Location: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Berkshire RG7 1QF
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

As part of our expanding services, we are seeking an experienced SENCo / PPA Cover to join our brand-new Options Autism school at Riseley Green in Berkshire, helping us build an inclusive and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive.

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)
SENCo qualification (or willingness to complete)
Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings
Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well-being
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.

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. The school caters 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.

We are proud to share that in 2024, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running, reflecting our commitment to supporting and valuing all members of our staff team.

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.

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.

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


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