At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy. We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Trimdon Hill School, a brand-new Options Autism school in County Durham, providing exceptional education and support for pupils with Autism and other complex needs.
We are now recruiting a dedicated SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the team and help shape the future of this school.
* Title: SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
* Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
* Salary: £42,000 per annum (not pro rata)
* Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday & Wednesday: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm | Thursday & Friday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
* Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
* Start date: February 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
This is more than a dual role — it’s a career-defining opportunity to make a lasting difference in a school where creativity is encouraged, wellbeing is prioritised, and every child’s potential is celebrated.
As SENCo, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the quality and direction of our SEND provision. You’ll:
* Lead the strategic development of SEND across the school, working closely with the Headteacher and therapy team
* Oversee EHCPs, learning plans, assessments, and progression data to ensure each pupil receives personalised support
* Guide and coach teachers in delivering high-quality, differentiated, and autism-aware learning
* Build strong partnerships with families, local authorities, and external professionals
* Promote a culture of inclusion, high expectations, and continuous professional growth
* Lead on staff CPD, focusing on SEND, autism strategies, and evidence-based practice
* Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding policies, and best-practice record keeping
As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you’ll be at the heart of our safeguarding culture. You will:
* Take lead responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school
* Be the first point of contact for concerns, responding swiftly and effectively in line with KCSIE and local authority procedures
* Champion a trauma-informed, autism-aware approach to safeguarding
* Deliver ongoing training and support to staff, building confidence and vigilance across the team
* Maintain detailed and compliant records, referrals, and audits, and report regularly to governors
* Represent the school at multi-agency meetings, ensuring pupil welfare is always the highest priority
* Support staff in understanding and responding to the unique safeguarding needs of pupils with communication barriers
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a compassionate, resilient, and forward-thinking leader with a deep passion for SEND, safeguarding, and empowering young people with complex needs to thrive.
You’ll need to have:
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
* A SENDCo qualification
* Extensive experience supporting children with Autism and complex learning needs
* Proven success as a SENCo, including leading EHCP processes and multi-agency collaboration
* A thorough understanding of safeguarding frameworks and legislation (KCSIE, Working Together, Equality Act 2010)
* Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
* The confidence to engage effectively with families, external professionals, and governors
Please note: This role is not suitable for ECTs/NQTs.
Trimdon Hill School isn’t just a new school — it’s a place where every child is supported to shine. Join us and help shape this exciting journey from day one!
About Us
Trimdon Hill School, located in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, is a brand-new school that opened in June 2025. The school caters for 40 pupils aged 4 to 11 years with a diagnosis of autism, who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication challenges, and sensory difficulties.
For over 16 years, Options Autism has provided high-quality care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading the sector in delivering innovative approaches that provide measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.
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 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.
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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