At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop SEND provision to improve outcomes for over 30,000 pupils.
- Company: Join Ormiston Academies Trust, a leader in inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and comprehensive support for your career.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND and experience in inclusive best practices required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 ÂŁ 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 additional and 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.
This is a senior strategic role, and as a result, our expectations are high. Working directly with the Senior Lead Practitioner for SEND, you will 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 North and West Regions, working with academy staff to coâcoordinate, 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, highâquality 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
If you are passionate about making a difference to provision and outcomes for pupils with additional needs, this is the role for 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 evidenceâbased 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
We value your hard work and dedication, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools. When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.
You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:
- School Teachers Pay and Conditions
- Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Access to health and wellâbeing 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.
- And much more as part of a leading multiâacademy trust.
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/OAT/04791 in West Bromwich employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner for SENDEDV/2026/OAT/04791 in West Bromwich
â¨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 you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in SEND. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about current best practices and how they can be applied in our academies.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and inclusion. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others, so think of examples from your past experiences.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us youâre genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner for SENDEDV/2026/OAT/04791 in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for SEND shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to inclusion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role and our values at OAT. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our mission to provide outstanding provision and practice in SEND. This shows us youâve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, weâre looking for strong communication skills, so show us what youâve got!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
â¨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest in SEND practices and statutory frameworks. Familiarise yourself with current evidence-based approaches and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in SEND. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve ambitious targets.
â¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Your communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like funding and provision mapping. Remember, clarity can make a huge difference!
â¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific situations related to SEND. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving, ensuring you highlight flexibility and creativity in your responses.