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- Tasks: Lead and develop SEND practices to improve outcomes for over 30,000 pupils.
- Company: Join Ormiston Academies Trust, dedicated to inclusion and educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension scheme, health programmes, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across regions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND with experience in statutory frameworks and school improvement.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
About This Role
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. We are now looking to recruit an exceptional individual to join our highly successful SEND team and help shape and develop provision and practice in SEND to secure better outcomes for over 30,000 pupils. This is a very exciting time to join our team. Inclusion is at the heart of OAT’s ethos and values and, within that, outstanding provision and practice in SEND is pivotal to achieving success for all.
The National Director of AP and Special Academies leads SEND across all key stages and is currently supported by the Senior Lead Practitioner for SEND and regional SEND Lead Practitioners who work together across our five regions. As a senior strategic role, you will work directly with the Senior Lead Practitioner for SEND to provide advice, support and guidance to secondary school principals, SENCOs and leadership and inclusion teams across your regions. You will be responsible for academies in the East and South Region, working with academy staff to co‑ordinate, promote and deliver best practice in SEND.
The role will ensure that each academy provides an inclusive education, with a focus upon identification and assessment, high‑quality teaching and interventions, funding and provision mapping, assistive technologies, access arrangements, statutory assessment and the SEND legal framework. Other activities will include regional and national work including carrying out academy reviews, leading SENCO network meetings and delivering training and guidance for staff at all stages of their career from ECTs to SLTs.
About You
We are looking for someone who has been a highly successful leader of SEND and/or SENCO, with extensive experience in inclusive best practice, statutory frameworks and national guidance. You will show a strong commitment to embedding current evidence‑based approaches and keeping SEND provision aligned with ongoing national developments. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in school improvement and delivering high quality training to inspire, motivate and challenge staff. Using exceptional communication skills, you will be able to demonstrate flexibility, creativity and innovation to help schools achieve ambitious targets.
Benefits that Care for You
- School teachers pay and conditions
- Teachers’ pension scheme
- Access to health and well‑being programmes, including counselling service
- Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform
- Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline
- Cycle to work scheme
- Automatic pay progression
- Flexible working arrangements
Equal Opportunity
Ormiston Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, right to work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Lead Practitioner for SENDEDV/2026/OVA/03168 in Norfolk employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner for SENDEDV/2026/OVA/03168 in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ormiston Academies Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in SEND. We want to show that we’re not just up-to-date but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our responses to common interview questions, especially those around leadership and inclusion. We need to highlight our experience and how it aligns with their mission to provide outstanding SEND provision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the team at Ormiston Academies Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner for SENDEDV/2026/OVA/03168 in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission to change lives and build futures for children and young people.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your specific experiences as a leader in SEND or as a SENCO. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you’ve implemented best practices and improved outcomes, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to the role. Use the job description as a guide and make sure to address how your skills and experiences meet the requirements. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position and understand what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest SEND legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by schools in your region, as well as the strategies that have proven successful. This will show your passion and commitment to improving outcomes for pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you've inspired others or implemented change. Be ready to discuss your approach to training and supporting staff at all levels, as this role is all about collaboration and guidance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like statutory frameworks or assistive technologies. Use real-life examples to illustrate your points, and don’t shy away from showing your personality – they want to see how you connect with others!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the SEND team’s goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the challenges ahead. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.