Join to apply for the Senior Inclusion Lead role at Somerset Council
Overview
Join us 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 – 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 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 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 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 strengths and needs.
What will I be doing?
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 SEND. You’ll lead initiatives, chair meetings, and ensure that every child’s potential is recognised and nurtured. Your leadership will remove barriers, foster engagement, and deliver outstanding educational outcomes.
Experience and qualifications
We’re committed to ongoing support and professional development. To hit the ground running, please bring:
* Specialist knowledge of Key Stage 4, post-16 education and supported employment pathways.
* Expertise in SEND: solid understanding of working with children and young people with SEND, and knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
* Leadership experience: proven track record in a leadership role within an educational setting.
* Policy development skills: experience crafting and implementing inclusive education policies and practices.
* Collaborative mindset: experience working effectively with parent carers, external agencies, and key stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
* Relevant qualifications: a degree or equivalent professional experience that demonstrates expertise.
What’s in it for me?
* Flexible working arrangements where possible, including home working, to promote a healthy work-life balance.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the option to purchase additional leave.
* Staff discounts in gyms and access to employee wellbeing services.
* Employee Assistance for support and wellbeing services.
* Auto-enrolment onto our Pension Scheme with optional AVC.
* Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice for cycle to work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop discounts across 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.
Interviews are likely to take place on Monday 20th October 2025.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Fiona Turnbull and Sarah Stabback.
Email: sarah.stabback@somerset.gov.uk
E-mail: fiona.turnbull@somerset.gov.uk
DBS information: In this role, you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.
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