Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to enhance inclusion for children with sensory needs.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council, committed to inclusive education and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape future practices.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving outcomes and fostering inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across Staffordshire.
- Qualifications: QTS and substantial SEND qualifications with leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Staffordshire County Council is seeking an exceptional and experienced specialist teacher to lead our large, diverse and highly regarded Specialist Teaching Support Service (STSS). This is a rare opportunity to shape inclusive practice at scale and make a tangible difference for children and young people across Staffordshire. The Specialist Teaching Support Service is a centrally based children and young peoples' service serving Staffordshire. Our expert teams work alongside settings, families and partners to strengthen inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people.
As Head of STSS, you will provide strategic leadership to the 3 specialist teams:
- Deaf / Hearing Inclusion Team
- Vision Inclusion Team
- Autism Inclusion Team
With the Education White Paper and SEND reforms gathering pace, particularly the proposed 'Experts at Hand' strategy, this is a once-in-a-generation chance for a Head of Specialist Teaching to build on the outstanding foundations created by the previous post holder and lead Staffordshire STSS into the next era of SEND and inclusion.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership within the Specialist Teaching Teams, including HI, VI, autism and MSI.
- Supervise and mentor the deputy heads (Lead Specialist Teachers) of HI, VI and AIT.
- Plan and account for the expenditure of the Service budget in accordance with County Council financial regulations.
- Identify, plan and implement service priorities through the Service Development Plan including strategic management of referrals, staff deployment, training, business planning and use of resources.
- Oversee measures to ensure quality assurance such as data collection, consultations and evaluations in order to report outcomes to NatSIP, SCC, stakeholders and partners.
- Oversee the professional development/performance management/MPC/appraisal system for all staff.
- Work collaboratively and maintain effective systems of communication with partners, agencies and parents in order to provide a seamless pathway for CYP.
- Support the Head of SEND in the strategic oversight of the service.
- Be responsible for Health and Safety issues within the Specialist Teaching Teams and undertake team risk assessments, where appropriate.
- Be the lead officer in Child Protection/Safeguarding issues.
- Contribute to national data collection and research initiatives for pupil outcomes, benchmarking etc. and Freedom of Information requests.
- Represent the county at meetings of local and national boards.
- Be responsible for the development and delivery of commissioning and traded aspects of the service delivery.
Ideal Candidate
- Have a strong commitment to leadership, inclusion, and improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Hold QTS and substantial additional SEND qualifications (for example, the mandatory qualification as a Teacher of the Deaf and/or Teacher of the Vision Impaired, or autism).
- Have significant management and leadership experience within an educational or Local Authority setting.
We are aiming to appoint for September 2026. Interviews will be held in person in Stafford on Tuesday 19 May 2026. This post is being recruited on Teachers' Terms and Conditions. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and filtered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application.
Head of Sensory and Autism Outreach Teams employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sensory and Autism Outreach Teams
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEND. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND and inclusion. Familiarise yourself with Staffordshire County Council's initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing staff, as this is key for the Head of STSS role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sensory and Autism Outreach Teams
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Sensory and Autism Outreach Teams role. Highlight your leadership experience and commitment to inclusion, as these are key aspects that we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your QTS and any additional SEND qualifications you hold. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of our Specialist Teaching Support Service, so be clear about your relevant credentials.
Demonstrate Your Impact: Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've made a difference in educational settings. We love seeing tangible outcomes, so share any data or feedback that showcases your success in improving outcomes for children and young people.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND reforms and the Experts at Hand strategy. Brush up on your knowledge about inclusive practices, especially in relation to sensory and autism outreach. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you’ve mentored others or implemented strategic changes. This is your chance to demonstrate your management experience and how you can inspire and guide the Specialist Teaching Teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you would maintain effective communication with partners, agencies, and parents. Share your strategies for collaboration and how you’ve built relationships in previous roles. This is crucial for ensuring a seamless pathway for children and young people.
✨Prepare for Quality Assurance Questions
Expect questions about how you would oversee quality assurance measures within the service. Think about your approach to data collection, evaluations, and reporting outcomes. Being able to articulate your methods will highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.