Senior Leader (SEND)

Senior Leader (SEND)

Full-Time 78000 - 123250 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Education Experts

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and support children with SEND in a nurturing educational environment.
  • Company: Join a dedicated alternative provision provider focused on transformative education.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rates, potential for long-term roles, and impactful work.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
  • Qualifications: Must have relevant teaching/leadership qualifications and SEND experience.

The predicted salary is between 78000 - 123250 £ per year.

Are you an education expert? We are currently seeking to represent experienced senior leaders with exceptional experience of working with children with SEND. If you are a SEND specialist senior leader who is available either immediately or from May half term 2026, we would be keen to speak with you.

Education Experts have a long-standing partnership with a national alternative provision provider who regularly reach out to book SEND specialist senior leaders for mid to long term vacancies. If you are an experienced senior leader who has worked with SEND (SEMH, ASD, MLD or PMLD) across either primary or secondary phases we may be able to offer you interim work on a termly basis. The roles are typically offered as on-site, full‑time posts based at small, well‑established alternative provision schools. Typically, the sites cater for pupils aged 7‑17 and headcount can vary from 6 learners up to 50 depending on the location. Geographically we are covering areas across the East and West Midlands, South‑West and in the North of England. Long‑term interim roles often lead to permanent opportunities.

We have offered a range of opportunities to senior leaders this year including but not limited to:

  • Regional Headteacher
  • Headteacher
  • Deputy Headteacher
  • Assistant Headteacher
  • Regional SENCO

This group are truly focussed on what is best for their learners and offer therapeutic environments supporting children with complex behaviours and needs. Their pupils have lived through trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and they work closely with them to develop self‑belief to become effective learners. If you are of a similar mindset and ethos, we would be very happy to discuss the group in more detail.

We are fully committed to a stringent compliance process and in addition to our checks all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches. In order to be successfully shortlisted in any of your applications with us we will require the following:

  • A relevant UK based teaching and/or leadership qualification.
  • Substantial experience working with pupils with SEND within an education setting.
  • All required documents for safer recruitment processing including but not limited to a valid right to work proof and a valid Enhanced DBS application.
  • Exceptional references.

Once shortlisted, a one-to-one interview will be scheduled with your dedicated consultant to discuss your experience and personal requirements.

Proposed start date: Immediate or from May 2026

Salary: £300 to £475 per day

Date posted: 14.05.26

Application closing date: 11.06.26

Senior Leader (SEND) employer: Education Experts

As a leading provider in alternative education, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our staff and students. Our commitment to professional development ensures that senior leaders have ample opportunities for growth and advancement, while our focus on therapeutic environments allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Join us in creating transformative educational experiences across the East and West Midlands, South-West, and North of England.
Education Experts

Contact Detail:

Education Experts Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Leader (SEND)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the specific needs of the schools you're applying to. Understand their ethos and how they support children with complex behaviours. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're the right fit.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow relevant organisations and join groups focused on SEND leadership. Engaging with these communities can provide insights and even job leads.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing a role. We’re always looking for passionate leaders like you, and applying directly can help us match you with the right opportunities faster!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Leader (SEND)

SEND Expertise
Leadership Skills
Experience with SEMH, ASD, MLD, PMLD
Teaching Qualification
Safer Recruitment Knowledge
Therapeutic Environment Understanding
Behaviour Management
Trauma-Informed Practice
Communication Skills
Collaboration with Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Adaptability in Educational Settings
Experience in Alternative Provision
Commitment to Learner-Centred Approaches
Strong References

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your extensive experience working with SEND. We want to see how you've made a difference in the lives of children with complex needs, so don’t hold back on those success stories!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their applications to match our ethos and the specific role. Show us how your values align with supporting learners who have faced trauma.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if needed to make your qualifications and experiences stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Education Experts

✨Know Your SEND Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND, especially SEMH, ASD, MLD, and PMLD. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support learners with these needs. This shows you're not just experienced but also passionate about making a difference.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership roles, particularly in alternative provision settings. Think about challenges you've faced and how you led your team through them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage complex behaviours and foster a therapeutic environment.

✨Align with Their Ethos

Research the organisation's values and ethos. Be prepared to articulate how your mindset aligns with their focus on supporting children who have experienced trauma. Sharing personal anecdotes can help illustrate your commitment to creating effective learning environments.

✨Get Your Paperwork Ready

Before the interview, ensure all your documents are in order, including your teaching qualifications and DBS application. Being organised shows professionalism and readiness, which is crucial for a senior leader role.

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