Job Description

SENCO - SEMH School in Rochdale
Start: September 2025 | Full Time | Initially Temporary with Potential to Go Permanent
Pay: Competitive & Negotiable | Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

Tradewind are recruiting!
Are you a passionate, experienced, and qualified SENCO seeking a meaningful new role in a specialist school environment? Do you want to work as part of a compassionate, highly skilled team supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs?
If so, this could be the perfect role for you.

Tradewind Recruitment is delighted to be working with a unique and highly regarded therapeutic SEMH school in Rochdale. We're looking to appoint a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who is committed to making a genuine impact on the lives of children and young people aged 6 to 18 with complex and varied SEND profiles.

The Role: SENCO

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and nurturing SENCO to join a close-knit and child-focused team. You will play a key role in shaping inclusive educational pathways, ensuring every pupil receives tailored support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate the delivery of high-quality SEND provision across the school
Develop, review, and implement EHCPs and IEPs in collaboration with class teachers, therapists, and external professionals
Identify and assess pupils' individual learning needs through effective diagnostic tools and ongoing monitoring
Work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to develop strategic approaches to SEND support and provision
Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, local authority requirements, and inspection frameworks
Provide coaching, CPD, and support to teaching and support staff around inclusive practice and behaviour strategies
Act as the first point of contact for parents, carers, and external agencies regarding SEND provision and progress
Liaise with educational psychologists, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to ensure holistic support for each pupil

This is a highly collaborative and hands-on role ideal for someone who is emotionally resilient, values trauma-informed practice, and believes in second chances. The school's therapeutic ethos means that you will have the opportunity to work within a team that includes on-site therapists and pastoral staff, in an environment where every child is truly known and valued.

The School

Nestled in the Rochdale hills in a converted farmhouse, this small independent SEMH school provides a nurturing and calming environment for up to 30 children and young people aged 6 to 18. Currently with 26 pupils on roll, the school caters to a wide range of needs including:

Social, emotional, and mental health challenges (SEMH)
Autism spectrum conditions (ASC)
ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing difficulties
Attachment difficulties and developmental trauma

With a highly personalised curriculum, small class sizes, and an integrated therapeutic approach (including the school therapy dog, Ruben!), the school is a safe and inspiring place to learn and grow.

Ofsted (May 2023): "Leaders have high aspirations for pupils... Staff foster positive relationships and support pupils who have experienced trauma with effective therapeutic approaches."

Requirements:

QTS or QTLS with SENCO qualification (or significant SEND leadership experience)
Deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and SEMH/ASC-specific strategies
Experience writing and implementing EHCPs
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Resilience, empathy, and a collaborative mindset

What We Offer at Tradewind: