DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Job title: Trust SEND Lead
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: L7-L11
Hours: Full time, five days per week (on-site working across all 20 schools)
Start date: 1st September or 1st January
About the Role
We are seeking a Trust SEND Lead to standardise and elevate SEND provision across our 20 schools. Reporting to the Director of Inclusion, this is a hands-on, site-based leadership role focused on driving consistent classroom practice and supporting school-based SENDCOs.
This position requires daily travel; you will spend your time on the ground in schools, conducting audits, monitoring compliance and working directly with staff and students.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide immediate advice, mentorship, and crisis leadership to SENDCOs and school leaders dealing with complex cases.
2. Conduct rigorous school audits and deep dives to identify performance trends and implement rapid improvement plans.
3. Convert complex SEND data into clear, evaluative briefings for the Trust Board, Head of Governance and senior executives.
4. Establish and lead a trust-wide SENDCO network while designing training to build consistent expertise across all schools.
5. Act as the primary trust representative to challenge external agencies and secure essential services from health, social care, and local authorities.
About You
You are a resilient, confident leader who can establish immediate credibility with Headteachers and hold external partners to account. This role requires a non-negotiable commitment to being on-site five days a week across our locations.
Qualifications & Experience:
6. QTS, degree-level education, and a recognised SENDCo qualification.
7. Significant experience as a SENDCo or senior school leader with direct SEND oversight.
8. A background in Primary education is desirable but not essential
9. Proven track record of turning high-level inclusion strategies into practical classroom interventions.
10. Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
Skills & Knowledge:
11. Expert knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act, EHCP processes, and Ofsted inspection frameworks.
12. Clear understanding of how SEND intersects with safeguarding, attendance, and behaviour.
13. Ability to analyse data, spot operational barriers and maintain emotional stability during critical incidents.
14. Credible communicator who can quickly build a strong working relationship with Headteachers, school staff, and governors
About us
CSET is made up of four secondary schools and 3 primary schools, all working towards the shared ambition of creating a great education for every child. Whilst each of our schools retains its own unique identity and ethos, being part of a family of schools brings additional support and opportunity to share expertise, provision and costs across the trust.
From September CSET will be part of the newly formed Pathway Trust. Pathway brings together two existing trusts, CSET and The Priory Learning Trust who have been working closely together over the last few years with great success. Pathway Trust will compromise seven secondary and thirteen primary schools across Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
We can offer you:
15. Happy, engaging students who thrive on inspirational leadership
16. A supportive trust and school community
17. Strong collaboration across the trust family of schools and access to a centralised team of specialists across all areas of school operations
18. A commitment to high‑quality CPD, with dedicated time and budget for your development
19. A values‑driven ethos where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived every day
20. Recognition of continuous service (modification order) to protect employment rights and entitlements
21. Teachers’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and death‑in‑service cover
22. Occupational sick pay to support you during illness or unexpected emergencies
23. Family‑friendly leave packages to help maintain a healthy work–life balance
In order to apply for this role please complete an application form by 9am Sunday 14th June. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process.
Please know that depending on the number of applications received we may decide to close the advert early. If you do not hear from us by a week after the closing date then please assume that you have not been shortlisted for an interview.
CSET is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils.
Safeguarding Statement
CSET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions, as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not "protected" (i.e., filtered) under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check), satisfactory references, medical fitness, Right to Work in the UK, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching/management check. In line with KCSIE guidance, we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates.
Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.