Some key information
* Full time (37 hours per week), all year-round position
* Hybrid working model with a balance of home, locality and office working
* Based in a locality but with the expectation that casework is needs based and can be across Somerset
* 33 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays).
* Permanent contract.
* Grade 8, £49,282 per annum
What will I be doing?
Join us on our mission to make a real difference in Somerset
As a Senior Inclusion Lead, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future for children and young people (CYP) with acute and complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You'll lead from the front: setting direction, inspiring teams and delivering a more inclusive educational landscape. You will lead key initiatives, chair critical meetings, and ensure that every child's potential is recognised and nurtured. Your leadership will be instrumental in removing barriers, fostering engagement, and delivering outstanding educational outcomes.
Senior Inclusion Lead Opportunities – Virtual School Team
We currently have a vacancy within our Preparation for Adulthood phase supporting children and young people from year 9 (aged 14) into adulthood.
Here's what your role will involve:
* Collaborate with leaders and partners: work hand-in-hand with multi-agency teams and senior leaders to design and implement actionable strategies for inclusion.
* Inspire an inclusive environment: partner with teachers, parent carers, and external agencies to foster academic, social, and emotional growth for every child and young person.
* Drive improvement: monitor, evaluate, and refine inclusion practices, offering innovative recommendations to make them even more effective.
* Lead with expertise: take ownership of a specialist area, providing professional development and supporting colleagues. Join forces with other Senior Leads to shape a more inclusive system for all.
* Lead complex situations: attend key meetings such as Team Around the Child and PEPs, and provide insightful, solution-focused advice that empowers families, children and young people, and educators.
* Management Responsibilities: Provide line management and support to team members, act as a positive role model, and take a lead in key internal meetings to drive collaboration and best practice.
* Partnering with Families Through Clear Communication: Build trusting, collaborative relationships with families by maintaining open, honest, and empathetic communication. Actively listen to their insights, keep them informed at every stage, and work together to co-create support plans that reflect their child's unique strengths and needs. Your ability to communicate clearly and compassionately ensures families feel heard, valued, and empowered.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We're committed to helping you thrive with ongoing support, training, and professional development. To hit the ground running, we'd love for you to bring:
* Specialist knowledge of Key Stage 4, post-16 education and supported employment pathways.
* Expertise in SEND: a solid understanding of working with children and young people with SEND, along with a deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
* Leadership experience: a proven track record in a leadership role within an educational setting.
* Policy development skills: experience in crafting and implementing impactful inclusive education policies and practices.
* Collaborative mindset: experience of working effectively with parent carers, external agencies, and key stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
* Relevant qualifications: a degree or equivalent professional experience that demonstrates your expertise and dedication.
We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.
What's in it for me?
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
* We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
* Staff discounts in gyms.
* Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
* Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
* A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more
Anything else I should know?
The Salary for the Senior Inclusion Lead is Grade 8, £49,282 per annum.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Fiona Turnbull and Sarah Stabback.
Email
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E-mail:
Interviews are likely to take place on Monday 20th October 2025.
If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can't wait to hear from you.
DBS information
In this role, you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.