We are pleased to announce we have an exciting opportunity here at Potens.

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant SENCO & Parent Liaison Officer to join our inclusive and forward-thinking school.

Please note that Sponsorship is not available for this role.

This dual role is central to ensuring our pupils with additional needs thrive, and that families feel supported, informed, and valued.

Working closely with the SENCO, you will help coordinate high quality provision for pupils with SEND and act as a vital link between home and school, fostering positive relationships and clear communications.

Arbour House is an independent school with split sites – Lower and Upper, based in Weymouth and Dorchester for young people aged 6-18 with complex social and communication difficulties and in particular autism. We provide a bespoke curriculum with a particular focus on developing independent living skills and real-life learning. We aim to support our pupils to achieve their full potential, contribute to their communities, gain meaningful employment, or progress to further education.

Closing Date for all applications is Friday 13^th November @ 5.00 pm.

Interviews with be held on Friday 27th November in Dorchester, Dorset.

Start Date: January 2027, or earlier if possible.

Arbour House has been rated overall ‘Outstanding’ in our June 2025 Ofsted Inspection. Further information about the school, including a copy of our last Inspection Report and a School Prospectus, is available on the school website: http://potens-uk.com/young-people/education/welcome-to-our-school/  

As part of our application process, you will be required to complete an application form. This can be requested by emailing recruitmentteam@potens-uk.com alternatively, please use the link below to visit our website. From there you will be able to download the application form to complete. Once you have completed the application form, please return it to recruitmentteam@potens-uk.com

What we’ll give you:

We will ensure you are rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• £27,713 to £30,250 (pro rata) dependent on skills and experience
• 40 hours per week, permanent role
• Term time
• Pension scheme
• A warm, welcoming, and supportive school community
• Opportunities for training, professional development, and career progression
• A collaborative SEND team and dedicated leadership support
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to pupils and families
• Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7.
• Access to attractive and exclusive employee benefits including savings on shopping, leisure, and household expenses
• A generous referral scheme

What you’ll be doing:

• Support the SENCO with the day-to-day coordination of SEND provision
• Assist with identification, assessment, and monitoring of pupils with additional needs
• Help maintain and update SEND records, personalised plans, and documentation
• Support teachers in developing effective strategies and interventions
• Contribute to the reviewing of EHCPs and SEND support plans
• Support in organising and delivering SEND-focused training for staff
• Observe pupils in lessons and provide feedback to inform inclusive practice
• Act as a key contact for parents and carers, providing guidance and support
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families, ensuring open communication
• Support parents during key processes such as meetings, reviews, transitions, and liaising with outside agencies.
• Help coordinate parent workshops, information sessions, and community events
• Respond promptly and sensitively to queries, concerns, and feedback
• Facilitate productive communication between families, staff, and external agencies

Job description can be provided to you on request.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for pupils with SEN
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage a varied workload
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Empathetic, patient, and able to build strong, positive relationships
• Confident using school information systems and Microsoft Office (training available)
• Knowledgeable about SEND processes, or eager to develop expertise (CPD provided)
• Experienced in working with SEN children and families, or in a school environment (desirable)

Who we are:

We are a national provider of health, social and education services with over 35 years’ experience. Our employees are the driving force behind the fantastic care and support being delivered to hundreds of adults and children across the UK. Our teams are purposeful, positive, and progressive. They work hard to empower the people we support to have a voice, achieve their goals, and change their lives. We are always looking for committed, pro-active and passionate people to join us and create even more opportunities for the people we support. Join our team and have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve changed someone’s life and, in return for your hard work and passion we can give you real meaning and purpose in your work.

Safeguarding

Potens is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people within our education facilities. All applicants will be subject to robust safeguarding checks prior to appointment; including enhanced DBS, a minimum of two satisfactory and verified references and online profile checks (Please note the latter will be completed independently of the interview panel and only regarding working with children).

Diversity

We champion diversity, and we understand the importance of our teams representing the communities and people we support. Here at Potens, you’ll find an inclusive environment where you can be yourself and where everyone is driven by the same purpose – helping people live independently, healthier, happier lives and doing our part to make a better working environment where all feel welcome and supported.

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