About the Role
We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and highly organised
SEND
Centre Lead
to join the EM Academy in Ipswich, a specialist provision for pupils with Severe to Moderate Learning Difficulties (SLD/MLD) in our
Early Years and Year 1 Academy
.
This is a unique leadership role that combines strategic oversight of teaching and learning, daily classroom leadership, and the oversight of
personal care
for young learners with complex needs. The Centre Lead will manage a dedicated staff team and work closely with their Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (HLTA), parents, therapists, and the Area Manager to ensure that every child receives exceptional care, support, and education.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Curriculum
* Lead all aspects of the Centre's educational provision for EYS/Year 1 pupils with SLD/MLD.
* Design and implement a child-centred, differentiated curriculum tailored to individual EHCP targets and SEMH needs.
* Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, and pupil progress.
* Ensure all teaching and care practices reflect high standards of safeguarding and inclusive education.
Personal and Intimate Care
* Oversee the delivery of personal care routines including toileting, changing, and feeding.
* Ensure all personal care is provided respectfully, safely, and in line with individual care plans.
* Train, guide, and support staff in delivering personal and intimate care.
* Maintain detailed records of care procedures and hygiene protocols.
Team Management
* Lead and support the classroom team, including tutors and support staff.
* Carry out regular tutor observations and performance reviews.
* Deliver staff inductions and facilitate continuing professional development (CPD).
* Set and monitor expectations for high-quality teaching, behaviour support, and care.
Stakeholder Communication
* Serve as the key point of contact for parents, carers, the main school, and external professionals.
* Attend and contribute to EHCP reviews, pupil progress meetings, and multi-agency discussions.
* Communicate pupil progress, care needs, and wellbeing in a timely and professional manner.
Operational and Administrative Duties
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date pupil records, care plans, and CPD logs.
* Contribute to whole-school quality assurance processes, including SARs and improvement plans.
* Ensure compliance with GDPR, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, and PREVENT policies.
* Conduct risk assessments for both individual pupils and classroom operations.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
* Degree in Education, Special Education, or related field.
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or significant equivalent leadership experience in special education.
* Proven experience working with pupils with SLD/MLD in an educational or care setting.
* Experience supporting pupils with personal and intimate care needs.
This role involves
regular physical contact
, including lifting and changing, so candidates must be comfortable and physically able to meet these demands.
This list of duties is not exhaustive
. Responsibilities may be adapted to meet the changing needs of the students and the setting, and you may be required to undertake additional tasks reasonably expected within the scope of your role.
Hours
37.5hrs per week, 40 weeks per year (Term Time only)
Salary Range
£32K - £38K (pro-rata) depending on experience
Email your CV and Covering Letter outlining your experience and why you feel you would be the ideal candidate for this role to
Closing date: 24/10/2025