Overview
Lead SENDCo (Community role)
Salary: L8 - L12 (£61,534 - £67,898 per annum)
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Start date: September 2026
This vacancy is being managed by our Recruitment Partner, Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited. For an expression of interest or a confidential conversation, contact James Hall – Senior Manager at James.Hall@hays.com
This is not a traditional SENDCo post. We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Lead SENDCo to take on a community-led role across three Outwood academies: Ripon, Easingwold and Normanby (Middlesbrough). With Ripon as base, time will be strategically split across all three schools to shape SEND provision at both academy and community levels.
The role aims to make a wider impact by developing people, practice and provision.
The Purpose of the Role
Strengthen inclusive practice across a community of schools while maintaining operational SEND leadership in Outwood Academy Ripon.
Your Work Will Focus On Three Core Priorities
A Community Led SEND Role
You will operate as the community SEND leader across Ripon, Easingwold and Normanby, ensuring strong collaboration, shared standards and a coherent SEND offer across different contexts. The schools are intentionally different — rural, market town and neighbourhood — and the role exists to connect them, not standardise them. You will help each academy deliver inclusive excellence that meets its unique community needs while benefiting from shared expertise and support.
Developing SSPs and SEND practice across the schools
A central focus is the development and consistent implementation of SSPs (Student Support Plans) across the three academies.
You Will
* Lead the strategic development of SSP practice
* Ensure high quality, meaningful and impactful plans that support teachers to deliver Quality First Teaching
* Evaluate impact and refine provision to ensure students with SEND thrive academically, socially and emotionally
Growing People Through Supportive Leadership
This role places people development at its core. You will provide supportive line management, coaching and CPD for:
* Assistant SENDCos
* SENDCos within the school community
* Inclusion and SEND teams
You will be a visible leader who builds confidence, capability and consistency, modelling best practice and creating space for others to grow into strong SEND leadership roles.
Your Base: Outwood Academy Ripon
Based at Outwood Academy Ripon, you will also fulfil the role of the designated SENDCo for the academy and be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will be timetabled for five teaching lessons, ensuring your leadership remains rooted in classroom practice. Ripon is part of a driven and collaborative leadership team united by a vision of Students First. Inclusion is fundamental to raising standards and transforming lives.
Our Community: North Yorkshire & Redcar and Cleveland
Outwood Academy Ripon, Outwood Academy Easingwold and Outwood Academy Normanby form a connected community of secondary schools across North Yorkshire and Redcar & Cleveland.
This role offers breadth of experience across: Ripon (historic market town), Easingwold (rural academy), Normanby (neighbourhood school in Middlesbrough).
Because these schools are at different points in their journey, there is significant opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Why Join Outwood?
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is one of the largest and most established MATs in the country. Our scale allows investment in:
* SEND leadership development
* Trust-wide CPD and networking
* Specialist support for vulnerable learners
You will also work closely with:
* Community Executive leadership
* Trust Strategic Leads for Inclusion and SEND
* SEND School Improvement Partners
Above all, you will be part of a Trust focused on Students First, Raising Standards and Transforming Lives.
Is This Role for You?
This role would suit an experienced SENDCo or Lead SENDCo who:
* Wants to work beyond a single school
* Is passionate about developing people as well as provision
* Values collaboration, coaching and influence over compliance alone
* Believes inclusion leadership should be visible, practical and human
To organise a walk around or confidential conversation, contact James Hall on 0191 2613980 or email James.Hall@hays.com
This role is subject to being closed early subject to suitable applications being received.
* Job Description: Click here
* Person Specification: Click here
For more information and to apply online, please click the apply button.
Responsibilities
As a Regional SENDCo Lead, you will drive outstanding SEND provision across the school community, lead SENDCo duties within your designated school, and mentor and oversee other SENDCo within the community to ensure high-quality inclusive practice for every student with SEND.
* Lead and inspire to set the standard for SEND excellence
* Identify and implement key improvements in provision
* Build strong partnerships with local authorities and partners
* Disseminate best practice through CPD and collaborative networking
To view the full Job Description, please click here.
Qualifications
The Lead SENDCo role requires Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and being a Qualified SENDCo. Essential experience includes substantial teaching and a proven track record with all SEN pupil groups. The successful candidate must demonstrate experience in staff management, working with parents and professionals, and delivering a professional development programme. Key skills include knowledge of SEND legislation, inclusion best practice, pastoral care, understanding of the National Curriculum, and strategies to support children with special needs. Strong communication, prioritising, and alignment with the Trust’s Students First ethos are required.
To view the full Person Specification, please click here.
About Us
Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).
We offer a comprehensive package focused on career development, fair pay, and well-being:
* Competitive Pay & Pension: salary, automatic pay progression, and access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
* Professional Growth: CPD opportunities, progression to Masters level, and development via OIE and NIT.
* Workload & Support: Workload Charter and a minimum of two hours of CPD weekly.
* Wellbeing & Flexibility: Enhanced leave, family policies, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Note: If applying from an external job board, click Apply to access the Outwood Careers page. We reserve the right to close advertisements early if required.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments follow safer recruitment practices and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Online checks, enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, and suitability checks apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr