At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support inclusive practices across schools and settings for children with SEND.
- Company: Wakefield Council, committed to improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and excellent wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Ongoing learning opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status with significant SEND leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 57770 - 57770 € per year.
Wakefield Council are looking for a Strategic SEND Cluster Lead to provide leadership and oversight across clusters of primary, secondary, special schools, post-16 settings, and trusts, supporting inclusive practice and driving SEND reform. This is a strategic leadership role working closely with school leaders, internal Local Authority teams, and multi-agency partners to identify emerging need, influence service planning, strengthen inclusion, and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate cluster meetings across schools and settings
- Challenge and support school leadership teams to strengthen inclusive practice
- Use data and insight to identify emerging needs and anticipate demand
- Support SEND commissioning, service development, and workforce planning
- Deliver training, coaching, and advisory support through the "Experts at Hand" offer
- Build strong partnerships across education, health, and care services
Requirements:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant SEND / Inclusion leadership experience
- Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
- Experience working strategically across multiple schools, settings, or trusts
- Ability to influence change, challenge effectively, and build partnerships
- School leadership background (SENCO / Inclusion leadership desirable)
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary package
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Generous annual leave + option to purchase additional leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Excellent wellbeing and employee benefits package
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Wakefield employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, staff have access to generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about driving inclusive education and supporting children with SEND.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. They might have insider info on opportunities or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wakefield Council and their approach to SEND. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with inclusive practices and how you've influenced change in previous roles. We want to hear your success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Strategic SEND Cluster Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND and any relevant qualifications, like your QTS, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about inclusive education and how your background aligns with our mission at Wakefield Council. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s improving outcomes for students or leading successful initiatives, we want to see what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Clarke Group
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any recent reforms. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about inclusive education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or facilitated meetings. Highlight how you’ve influenced change and supported school leadership teams in strengthening inclusive practices. This is your chance to shine!
✨Data is Your Friend
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data and insights to identify needs and anticipate demand in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your analytical skills made a difference in service planning or outcomes for children.
✨Build Those Partnerships
Think about how you’ve built strong partnerships across different sectors. Be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration with education, health, and care services, as this role requires a strong network to drive SEND reform effectively.
