Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support
Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support

Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Trafford Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead education initiatives to ensure every child thrives and feels included.
  • Company: Trafford, a community-focused organisation dedicated to children's success.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape future generations.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and influence educational systems.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for education and inclusion.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to innovative strategies and community support.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

In Trafford we are highly ambitious for our children and young people. Our vision is clear; we want every child to have the best possible start, to feel included as a matter of course, and to have every opportunity to achieve and thrive.

You will lead a wide portfolio covering education, attainment and inclusion, sufficiency planning, and our Best Start in Life programme. You will work closely with schools and multi‑academy trusts, health and community partners to align local strategy with national reform and statutory duties, so children, young people and families feel the benefit of a genuinely joined‑up, inclusive system.

This is system leadership: working at pace, across boundaries, with a relentless focus on what matters for families. You will build on Trafford’s strong collaborative foundations, including our borough wide Inclusion Charter and close partnership with our family of schools. With health, the CVS and early years providers, you will continue to develop our Best Start Family Hubs, bringing the right support to families in their communities.

Your passion for education and learning will help sustain Trafford’s strong record on attendance and attainment for all, where performance continues to exceed national levels. We are seeking a visible, values‑driven leader who can set clear, compelling strategies for education, inclusion and early support, delivering tangible improvements so that ‘no child is left behind’.

You will work hand‑in‑hand with headteachers, trusts, governors, health leaders, the voluntary and community sector, DfE colleagues, and parents and carers. Through innovative, forward‑looking strategic leadership you will navigate a changing landscape of inspection, accountability and policy, including the recent ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper.

Above all, you will assure quality, sufficiency and safeguarding across all settings, keeping children at the centre of every decision. This is a rare opportunity to influence an entire system and make a lasting difference. If you share our ambition for children and young people, and you lead with purpose, collaboration and courage, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: Monday 30th March.

Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support employer: Trafford Council

Trafford is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for children and young people. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and community engagement, we offer our employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate educators and health partners. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that every team member can thrive in their role, contributing to a brighter future for families in Trafford.
Trafford Council

Contact Detail:

Trafford Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to Trafford. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and partners. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, share your vision for education and inclusion. Be genuine and let them see how much you care about making a difference for children and families.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by understanding Trafford's current challenges and successes. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support every child in Trafford.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support

Strategic Leadership
Collaboration
Education Policy Knowledge
Inclusion Strategies
Community Engagement
Sufficiency Planning
Performance Management
Safeguarding
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Data Analysis
Innovative Thinking
Change Management
Passion for Education

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and inclusion shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference for children and young people, so share your experiences and motivations that align with our vision.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and strategies are easy to understand. Use bullet points if it helps to highlight your skills and experiences!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in Trafford, so connect your past experiences to our local context.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council

✨Know Your Vision

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for education and inclusion. Be ready to articulate how your values align with Trafford's ambition for children and young people. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the community.

✨Showcase Collaborative Experience

Prepare examples of your past experiences working with schools, health partners, and community organisations. Highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully aligned strategies across different sectors. This will demonstrate your ability to lead collaboratively in a system leadership role.

✨Understand Current Policies

Familiarise yourself with the latest educational policies, especially the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper. Be prepared to discuss how these reforms impact your approach to education and inclusion, showing that you’re proactive and informed about the changing landscape.

✨Focus on Outcomes

Think about tangible improvements you’ve made in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured quality and safeguarding in educational settings, and how you plan to continue this focus in Trafford. This will highlight your results-driven mindset and commitment to leaving no child behind.

Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support
Trafford Council

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