Suffolk Jobs Direct
Head of Wellbeing and Development
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Sendsory
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2
Salary: £34,179 per annum actual (£40,777 per annum, pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week (8am – 4.30pm), term time only
Contract: Fixed term for 12 months, required from 1 September 2026
Reference: 0865
Head of Wellbeing and Development
b a specialist alternative education provision for pupils with SEND, are looking for a new Head of Wellbeing and Development.
Key Responsibilities
Therapeutic Education and Pupil Support
- Deliver engaging, child-centred 1 to 1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including curriculum delivery
- Implement EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) outcomes within sessions for each individual child under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
- Support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to the AQA Unit Award Scheme under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
- Promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions
- Encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving abilities and positive peer relationships to support preparation for everyday life and future learning
- Provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times
- Set up and maintain therapeutic spaces before and after each session, ensuring they are safe, welcoming, calm and ready for learning
- Support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction
- Actively de-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches, in line with Behaviour Safe in Education training
- Build consistent, positive relationships with pupils, modelling emotional regulation, appropriate behaviour and clear boundaries
- Record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures
- Undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, printing, creating visuals, laminating, adapting materials and supporting the organisation of the learning environment
- Attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings, contributing to team debriefs and solution-focused planning
- Support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach. This includes recognising emotional triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability and trust.
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Assessment and Developmental Tracking
- Complete half-termly developmental snapshots for every child across the four areas of need (SEMH, Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, and Sensory and Physical) together with the 5 A's framework
- Track and monitor each child's progress using assessment data to inform planning, interventions and next steps
- Prepare, complete and maintain Wellbeing and Learning Pathways for every child upon admission, ensuring they are reviewed and updated as needs change or new information becomes available
- Monitor the impact of therapeutic interventions and provide recommendations to support continued progress and positive outcomes.
Therapeutic Practice and Emotional Regulation
- Deliver play-based therapeutic sessions, ensuring every child receives at least one session each week, with accurate records maintained for every intervention
- Lead the implementation of emotional regulation strategies across the provision
- Embed and model trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative practice throughout all aspects of the provision
- Provide guidance and coaching to staff on emotional regulation strategies, therapeutic approaches and behaviour support, working collaboratively with the Head of Provision
- Promote a consistent therapeutic culture that prioritises emotional safety, trust, resilience and positive relationships.
Multi-Agency and Family Working
(Carried out alongside the Head of Safeguarding and Inclusion)
- Attend Child in Need (CIN) meetings and contribute to multi-agency planning
- Attend and contribute to annual reviews, providing professional reports and recommendations where appropriate
- Carry out home visits for new starters to support successful transitions and build positive relationships with families
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers and external professionals to ensure joined-up support for every child.
Administration and Communication
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- Take accurate meeting notes and ensure key actions are communicated to relevant staff to maintain continuity of support
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date records in line with organisational policies
- Contribute to reports, documentation and internal quality assurance processes
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, families and external professionals to ensure high-quality therapeutic provision and positive outcomes for children.
About Sendsory
Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4 – 11 with SEND. Our Therapeutic Curriculum supports children to regulate emotions, develop communication and social skills and build confidence in a nurturing, structured environment.
We support children who are awaiting school placement, at risk of or who have experienced permanent exclusion, and those disengaging from mainstream education.
What we offer
At Sendsory, you'll join a supportive, child-focused team, receive six training days per year and benefit from a competitive salary while making a meaningful difference to children with SEND.
For more information
Please read the Job Description on our website [https://www.sendsory.com/jobs/eb11cc3d-eed9-47a8-b646-1fde97fab2ec].
How to apply
Please complete an application via the Jobs section on our website www.sendsory.com/jobs [http://www.sendsory.com/jobs], including a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria in the job description. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Due to safer recruitment procedures, we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing date: 12pm, 18 August 2026.
Interview date: week commencing 24 August 2026.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Sendsory is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from men as they are currently under-represented in this role.
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