At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusive practices across three schools, shaping SEND provision and developing Student Support Plans.
- Company: Outwood Academy Trust, a leading multi-academy trust focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real community impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive network dedicated to SEND leadership development and impactful education.
- Why this job: Be a visible leader in inclusion, transforming lives and raising standards across diverse school communities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a SENDCo or Lead SENDCo with a passion for collaboration and coaching.
The predicted salary is between 48785 - 55000 Β£ per year.
Lead SENDCo (Community Role) at Outwood Academy Ripon (base) with Outwood Academy Easingwold and Outwood Academy Normanby.
Leadership Scale: L8-L12 Permanent | 5 Teaching Lessons (per week)
This is not a traditional SENDCo post. We are seeking an experienced and values driven Lead SENDCo to take on a community led role across three Outwood academies: With Ripon as your base, your time will be strategically split across all three schools, enabling you to shape SEND provision at both academy and community level.
The Purpose of the Role
At its heart, this role is about strengthening inclusive practice across a community of schools while maintaining operational SEND leadership in Outwood Academy Ripon.
A Community Led SEND Role
You will operate as the community SEND leader across Ripon, Easingwold and Normanby, ensuring strong collaboration, shared standards and a coherent SEND offer across very different contexts. These schools are intentionally different - rural, market town and neighbourhood - and this role exists to connect them, not standardise them. You will help each academy deliver inclusive excellence that meets its unique community needs while benefiting from shared expertise and support.
Developing SSP's and SEND practice across the schools
- A central focus of the role is the development and consistent implementation of SSP's (Student Support Plans) across the three academies.
- Lead the strategic development of SSP practice.
- Ensure high quality, meaningful and impactful plans that support teachers to deliver Quality First Teaching.
- You will provide supportive line management, coaching and CPD for:
- Assistant SENDCos
- SENDCos within the school community
- Inclusion and SEND teams
You will be a visible leader who builds confidence, capability and consistency, modelling best practice and creating space for others to grow into strong SEND leadership roles.
Your Base: Outwood Academy Ripon
Based at Outwood Academy Ripon, you will also fulfil the role of the designated SENDCo for the academy and be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will be timetabled for five teaching lessons, ensuring your leadership remains rooted in classroom practice. Inclusion is not an add on here - it is fundamental to how we raise standards and transform lives.
Our Community: North Yorkshire & Redcar and Cleveland
Outwood Academy Ripon, Outwood Academy Easingwold and Outwood Academy Normanby form a connected community of secondary schools across North Yorkshire and Redcar & Cleveland. This role offers a breadth of experience rarely found in one post:
- Ripon - A historic market town, competing alongside a selective grammar school.
- Easingwold - A rural academy serving a close-knit community.
- Normanby - A neighbourhood school with deep local roots in Middlesbrough.
Because these schools are at different points in their journey, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact is significant.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is one of the largest and most established MATs in the country. Our scale allows us to invest heavily in:
- SEND leadership development
- Trust wide CPD and networking
- Specialist support for vulnerable learners
You will also work closely with:
- Community Executive leadership
- Trust Strategic Leads for Inclusion and SEND
- SEND School Improvement Partners
Above all, you will be part of a Trust that is unapologetically focused on Students First, Raising Standards and Transforming Lives.
This role would suit an experienced SENDCo or Lead SENDCo who:
- Wants to work beyond a single school
- Is passionate about developing people as well as provision
- Values collaboration, coaching and influence over compliance alone
- Believes inclusion leadership should be visible, practical and human
To organise a walk around or confidential conversation please get in touch with our recruitment partner - James Hall.
This role is subject to being closed early subject to suitable applications being received.
Inclusion Lead (SENCO) in Ripon employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Lead (SENCO) in Ripon
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Outwood Academy Ripon, Easingwold, and Normanby. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how we can strengthen inclusive practices across different contexts. Be ready to share specific examples of how we've successfully implemented SSPs or led teams in previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership style! During the interview, highlight how we build confidence and capability in others. Share stories that demonstrate our coaching skills and how we've fostered collaboration among teams.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we're tech-savvy and serious about joining the Outwood community.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion Lead (SENCO) in Ripon
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Inclusion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in SEND provision and how you plan to continue that work across our community of schools.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique needs of each academy. Highlight your understanding of the different contexts of Ripon, Easingwold, and Normanby, and how you can adapt your approach to meet their specific challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see how you fit into the role of Lead SENDCo.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches us quickly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
β¨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the unique characteristics of Ripon, Easingwold, and Normanby. Understanding the specific needs and contexts of each academy will help you articulate how you can strengthen inclusive practices across these diverse environments.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leadership, especially in a community role. Highlight examples where you've successfully collaborated with teams, coached others, and implemented effective Student Support Plans (SSPs). This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire within a multi-academy trust.
β¨Emphasise Inclusion as Core Practice
Make sure to convey your belief that inclusion is fundamental to raising standards. Share specific strategies you've used to create an inclusive environment and how you plan to model best practices for other SEND leaders. This aligns perfectly with the values of Outwood Academy.
β¨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the current challenges faced by the academies in terms of SEND provision or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and your proactive mindset towards collaboration.