Overview
Employer: Cheshire West and Chester
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Pay: £52,901 to £61,069 per year, pro rata
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: Yes
Closing Date: 05/03/2026
About this job
This role is to be the Lead Teacher in Cheshire West's new Cognition and Learning Specialist Teaching Team. Working with a dedicated and experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants, the post holder will develop and co-ordinate inclusion advice and support with a focus on Cognition and Learning across all settings and schools. A key driver for Cheshire West Council is to support the inclusion of children with Special Educational Needs in their local mainstream schools and settings. The role encompasses all aspects of leading service development, cognition and learning and SEND specialist initiatives (including SEMH) and provision of support and guidance for staff through professional supervision and appraisal. The successful applicant will be an experienced Cognition and Learning practitioner with a proven track record of delivering outstanding practice, innovative thinking and a proactive approach to problem solving. The role requires QTS, SEN experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
This is an exciting opportunity to become the Lead Teacher for the newly formed Cognition and Learning Specialist Service within Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC). This pivotal role sits at the heart of the CWAC SEND and Inclusion Team, driving forward inclusive practice across all schools and settings. Nationally, demand and complexity of need have grown significantly, and as a local area, Cheshire West is committed to supporting highly inclusive practice across all sectors. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic delivery and direction of inclusion across the borough. We are seeking an experienced practitioner with a strong record of practice in Cognition and Learning, complemented by a broad understanding of wider SEND needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Communication and Interaction (C&L). You will be an effective communicator, able to work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and a range of services, demonstrating a commitment to achieving the highest standards for children and young people. The role requires proactive case management across the team, ensuring flexibility in service delivery to meet diverse needs and achieve the best outcomes for children and families. You will have a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and the legal framework surrounding SEND, particularly the importance of the graduated approach.
Key Responsibilities
* Direct performance management of specialist teachers and oversight of specialist support assistants.
* Responsibility for the Cognition and Learning team, including service-level performance monitoring and reporting.
* Direct work with settings, children, and families to promote inclusion and improve outcomes.
* Multi-agency collaboration and partnership working.
* Development of policy and strategy alongside senior managers.
* Delivery of training, including tailored programmes and bespoke packages.
* Championing inclusive practice and promoting Quality First Teaching across all settings.
Qualifications and requirements
* QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
* SEN experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
* Experience in Cognition and Learning with a broad understanding of SEND needs, including SEMH and C&L.
* Effective communication and collaborative working with families and services.
* Proactive case management and flexibility in service delivery.
* Thorough understanding of relevant SEND legislation and the graduated approach.
Additional notes
Grade is Teacher’s Pay and Conditions SEN2 TLR2. Please contact jane.bradley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk to discuss this role.
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