Job profile

Are you passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive? We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate SENCo to join our team! If you have a strong commitment to supporting students with special educational needs, developing tailored learning strategies, and empowering all students to reach their full potential, this is the role for you. Lead the way in making a lasting impact on students’ educational journeys and ensuring that every learner has the support they need to succeed!

We have a great opportunity available to join Novus Transforming Lives, our prison education provider at HMP Forest Bank, working as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). This position is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 40hrs per week.

Who are Novus Transforming Lives?

Novus Transforming Lives is a leading UK-based education provider dedicated to delivering high-quality learning and rehabilitation services within the prison system. We are also part of the LTE group of companies that include The Manchester College, MOL, Total People, UCEN, and LTE Group Operations. We are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted and have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners, ensuring our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.

Site Information

HMP Forest Bank is located in Pendlebury in Salford, Greater Manchester. The prison is a Category B Male Prison that accommodates remand and sentenced offenders. It offers a diverse range of education opportunities and employment support. Individuals can work towards nationally recognised qualifications. 

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities. Specific details about the individual role are shared during the interview process.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Hold an SEN qualification at Level 4 or above (or commit to working towards within 12 months)
• Hold a teaching qualification - minimum Cert Ed or PGCE
• Hold a degree, or equivalent qualification
• Hold at least a Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy
• Have a good track record in implementing strategy and policy relating to special educational needs
• Have a good track record of using data to monitor, evaluate and influence course development and to provide relevant learner support
• Have a good track record of working effectively with disadvantaged learners some of whom may present with a range of challenging behaviour
• Have a good track record of successful team building
• Achieve learning hours targets for all learning support staff
• Achieve quality targets, including those related to recruitment, retention and achievement
• Retain a skilled, flexible, motivated and qualified learning support team
• Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders
• Ensure employee relations are pro-actively managed in line with College policies and procedures.

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• 2 hours for wellbeing / personal development per week
• Significant pension contribution
• Retail Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme

Safeguarding

Novus Transforming Lives is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Novus Transforming Lives is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 05/01/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!