Key Dates
Deadline for Applications: Friday 6th February 2026
Interview Date: 10th February 2026
The role covers 3 Compass Community Schools: Victoria Park (Tipton, WM) , Cledford Park (Middlewich, Cheshire), and CCS Staffordshire (Leek). We will consider part time applications for the right candidate to cover 1 or 2 of these settings.
Who we are
Compass Schools are unique and distinctive environments that are highly effective in supporting children with a broad range of complex behaviours and needs. Many of our pupils have significant barriers to learning and have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We work tirelessly to break down barriers to learning, develop self-belief, independence and self-efficacy to prepare for the next stage in their journey, no matter what their starting point.
Compass Community Schools have a range of specialisms, and develop and deliver bespoke pathways and opportunities to pupils to achieve and become the best they can be. Our schools are multi-disciplinary, therapeutic communities that place the child at the centre of all of our decision making. We take pride in offering a highly personalised and innovative approach to education and are committed to delivering high quality, safe provision every day.
The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.
Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making. This ensures that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our learners can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.
Every lesson counts.
An exceptional opportunity for an exceptional SENCO
Our vibrant and dedicated SEND service, catering for pupils with SEMH and complex needs, is at a pivotal point in its journey. We are making significant investment in the facilities, resources and people that will create a truly exceptional offer for pupils, parents and local authorities.
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced SENCO to support us through this next chapter. The successful candidate will be able to balance nuanced and individual learner-facing decision making, with strategic and visionary oversight of the SEND provision in our schools. They will have a proven track record in securing exceptional outcomes for learners with SEMH and complex needs, who can drive improvement, empower teams, and champion the education and aspirations of our pupils.
The SENCO role sits squarely in our regional SLT and, as such, we are looking for a practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, be that with students, parents or professionals.
The staffing structure around our family of schools means that SENCOs are well supported, allowing them to focus on what is really important. School Operation Officers and compliance teams keep things running smoothly, and you will also get to work with a broader team of SENCOs that operate in other regions across the country.
The Right Person
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Hold an appropriate SENCo Qualification such as PGCiPP NASENCo or similar OR have experience in a SENCO role and be willing to undertake qualification within 2 years of taking up post.
A proven record of outstanding teaching practice.
An excellent, efficient and emotionally intelligent communicator.
Sound working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
A strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Experience of crisis-management/managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.
The ambition to progress professionally within an expanding, child-centred national organisation.
Experience of effective working with hard-to-reach or disengaged families.
Benefits and Rewards
Staff laptop and mobile phone
Competitive salary
Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
Small class sizes with specialist TA support
The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
Flexible pension
Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways
We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services(previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.
All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.