At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusive practice and coordinate SEND provision for all learners.
- Company: Join Ellis Guilford School, a vibrant inner-city secondary school focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to educational excellence and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by promoting inclusion and overcoming barriers to learning.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified teacher with leadership experience and a passion for inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 61532 - 67897 € per year.
We’re looking for an organised, proactive, strategic leader and fully qualified teacher ready to step into leadership as our SENDCo. You’ll lead inclusive practice across the school, coordinate SEND provision, and work with staff and families to ensure every learner receives the support they need to succeed.
About Our School
The Ellis Guilford School is a thriving, larger than average inner‑city Secondary School with a clear mission “to ensure that the children attending our school have a better chance of success than if they attended any other school”. We deliver a broad curriculum, including emphasis on the creative subjects, to support our children to become confident, independent and balanced individuals, allowing them to excel. Graded “Good” by Ofsted in 2023, Ellis Guilford School is at an extremely exciting point in its development journey. We’re striving for “EGScellence” in all that we do!
About The Inclusion/SEND Team
Inclusion at Ellis Guilford School underpins everything. Our core SEND team includes our SENDCo, Deputy SENDCo, Assistant SENDCo, Director of Inclusion, teaching assistants, pastoral support officers. We have a number of specialist provisions in school including our Re‑Integrate Centre and our INTEX provision. We have recently introduced a newly created SEMH provision alongside a Forest School provision. Our whole inclusion team work to support and promote an inclusive culture throughout the school and to put appropriate measures in place to enable all children to overcome barriers to learning. We prioritise professional development for our staff and make an ongoing commitment to this. Our collaborative approach aims to enhance SEND provision, working closely with the pastoral and inclusion team to coordinate support across the school.
About You
We are looking for a dedicated leader and SENDCo to help lead and coordinate effective SEND provision across the school. This role will be part of our leadership team and will work to ensure inclusion remains at the heart of everything we do. You will support staff in meeting the needs of learners with a range of additional needs, including SEMH, and work closely with families and external agencies to remove barriers to learning. Line‑managed by the Vice Principal for Behaviour and Culture, you will help promote inclusive practice and positive learning behaviours.
Our Ideal Candidate Will:
- Be an experienced leader
- Bring a therapeutic, nurturing approach (trauma‑informed practice preferred)
- Have experience of working with secondary‑aged children
- Be resilient, proactive, and committed to achieving the best outcomes for all children
- Set high expectations and encourage a culture of respect
- Demonstrate ambition, integrity and respect in all aspects of their work
About Creative Education Trust
Creative Education Trust was established in 2010 to work in England’s post‑industrial and coastal towns and cities. We are now a network of 17 schools educating 14,500 children and young people. We have chosen to work with schools in challenging circumstances. We have successfully transformed schools previously deemed to be inadequate into good ones in order that all our students can have the best start in life. We are committed to providing educational opportunity for children of all abilities and to building cultural capital through a wide range of co‑curricular activities. Curricular innovation through our Knowledge Connected programmes promotes creative, integrated and pro‑active thinking so that our students are equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.
CET Benefits & Continual Professional Development
CET is committed to your learning and development, which is a continuous process that starts with your induction. The opportunities include a wide range of subjects from middle leadership and DSL training to autism awareness. We run annual conferences including Safeguarding and Learning and Teaching and have regular network meetings across the Trust.
Ready to Join Us?
Submit your application directly through our website. Applications close at 5.00pm on Sunday 12th April 2026. We warmly welcome visits to our school prior to interview, and if you’d like to arrange a visit or confidential conversation with the principal, please reach out to us at principal@ellisguilfordschool.org.uk, and we’ll be delighted to assist you. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. We will hold interviews as soon as we have received enough applications from suitably qualified applicants. If a successful appointment is not made, then we will repeat the process. Please do not hesitate to contact us on principal@ellisguilfordschool.org.uk if you would like an update on your application and details of a potential interview date.
Discover More About Our Trust
We encourage you to learn more about our trust’s culture, the continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities we offer, and the benefits available to our colleagues. Visit our Trust website to explore these aspects in detail and see how we support our staff in their professional journey.
Essential Information
Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe; we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility. All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview. The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, References and, where appropriate, a Prohibition from teaching search. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.
SENDCo Leader in Nottingham employer: Creative Education Trust
Ellis Guilford School, part of the Creative Education Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our SENDCo Leader will benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative work culture that prioritises the success of every learner. Located in a vibrant inner-city area, we are committed to transforming educational experiences and ensuring that all children have the chance to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo Leader in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ellis Guilford School and its values. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a SENDCo leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to SEND provision. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your proactive and strategic leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Ellis Guilford School.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo Leader in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported learners with additional needs in the past, and how you plan to continue this at Ellis Guilford School.
Be Clear and Concise:We love a well-structured application! Make sure your writing is clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your key achievements and experiences, especially those that align with the SENDCo role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the SENDCo Leader position. Mention how your leadership style aligns with our mission of achieving 'EGScellence' and supporting every learner.
Check Your Spelling and Grammar:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough proofread. Spelling and grammar mistakes can distract from your message, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional. We want to see your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Education Trust
✨Know Your SEND Framework
Familiarise yourself with the latest SEND legislation and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in practice at Ellis Guilford School, ensuring every learner receives the support they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's mission of 'EGScellence'. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led inclusive practices or coordinated SEND provisions.
✨Engage with the Inclusion Team
Research the current inclusion strategies at Ellis Guilford School. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with the existing SEND team and other staff members to enhance support for students with additional needs.
✨Demonstrate a Nurturing Approach
Reflect on your therapeutic and trauma-informed practices. Be ready to share specific instances where you've applied these approaches to support students, showing your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for all learners.
