At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for SEND and inclusion across multiple schools, ensuring every child gets the support they need.
- Company: Join The Education Village Academy Trust, a vibrant and inclusive multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on excellence, ambition, and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by championing high-quality inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND and inclusion with experience across multiple educational settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead Trust wide strategy, strengthen inclusive practice and ensure that every child receives the right support at the right time by joining The Education Village Academy Trust as Director of SEND and Inclusion.
Location: Darlington
About EVAT
The Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) is a vibrant, values‑driven multi‑academy trust with a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration and community. We serve a diverse population of children and young people across a range of settings, including mainstream, specialist and alternative provision. Our mission is simple but ambitious: to ensure that every learner receives an exceptional learning experience and is supported to achieve their full potential. At EVAT, we believe that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Our schools work closely together to share expertise, develop practice and ensure that pupils receive the right support at the right time. We are proud of our strong relationships with families, local authorities, key partners and agencies and the wider community — and we are committed to working collaboratively to meet the needs of all learners. Our Trust is built on the values of excellence, ambition and teamwork. These values shape our culture, our decision‑making and our approach to leadership. We are committed to continuous improvement and to creating an environment where staff feel supported, empowered and able to make a meaningful difference.
About the role
This is a rare and career‑defining opportunity to lead the design and implementation of a Trust‑wide strategy to strengthen inclusive practice and ensure that every child receives the right support at the right time. As our Director of SEND and Inclusion, you will be the Trust’s strategic lead for SEND, championing high‑quality provision, driving improvement and building the capability of leaders and practitioners across all settings. You will work closely with Principals, SENDCOs, senior leaders and external partners to deliver a coherent, ambitious and financially sustainable approach to inclusion.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an exceptional leader with deep expertise in SEND and inclusion and a proven ability to drive improvement across multiple schools. You will be an experienced systems leader who understands the complexity of SEND provision and can operate confidently at Trust level. You will bring a strong track record of leading SEND and inclusion across schools or Trusts, with the credibility to influence senior leaders, governors, local authorities and national bodies. You will understand the full breadth of curriculum pathways, assessment models and accreditation routes and you will be confident in applying the SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding legislation and national frameworks. We are seeking someone who can combine strategic vision with practical insight. You will be able to analyse data, interpret risk and make informed decisions that balance quality, sustainability and pupil need. You will also be able to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences. Your leadership style will be collaborative, relational and grounded in trust. You will be able to build strong partnerships, support and challenge leaders and create a culture where inclusive practice is everyone’s responsibility. You will be comfortable managing change, leading organisational development and supporting colleagues through periods of transition. If you are committed to excellence, equity and improving life chances for all learners, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Director of SEND and Inclusion employer: Schoolsweek
The Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in Darlington. With a strong commitment to professional development, EVAT empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people, while promoting collaboration and community engagement. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values excellence, ambition, and teamwork, ensuring that everyone can thrive and contribute to the Trust's mission of providing outstanding educational experiences for all learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of SEND and Inclusion
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of SEND and Inclusion
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Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Schoolsweek, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
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Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Schoolsweek might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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