At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusive education initiatives and drive improvements across schools in Wakefield.
- Company: Wakefield Council, committed to shaping inclusive education for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children with SEND and lead transformative educational practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status with significant SEND leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 57770 - 57770 € per year.
We are seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking Strategic SEND Cluster Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive education across Wakefield. This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role where you will influence practice across clusters of schools, driving improvements and supporting the delivery of our ambitious SEND reforms. If you are passionate about inclusion, thrive on system leadership, and want to make a lasting difference for children and young people with SEND, this is your opportunity.
Salary: £57,770
Location: Wakefield
37 Hours, Permanent
About the Role
As a Strategic SEND Cluster Lead, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight across a cluster of schools, including special and post-16 settings.
- Use data, insight, and professional judgement to identify emerging needs, anticipate demand, and inform planning.
- Lead and facilitate cluster meetings, driving collaboration, challenge, and shared priorities across schools.
- Act as a trusted advisor to schools, supporting inclusive practice, workforce development, and effective use of resources.
- Contribute to SEND commissioning and service development, providing system-level insight and influence.
- Partner with education, health, and care colleagues to strengthen multi-agency working and integrated support.
- While primarily strategic, you will also deliver targeted training, coaching, and advisory support where it adds value.
Key Requirements:
We’re looking for a confident, credible leader with:
- Qualified Teacher Status and significant SEND or inclusion leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, inclusive practice, and current reforms.
- Experience of strategic leadership across multiple schools or settings.
- A proven ability to influence system change, build partnerships, and drive improvement.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
- The ability to translate data into meaningful action.
- Confidence working with senior leaders, partners, and multi-agency teams.
Desirable:
- SENCO qualification or SEND leadership training.
- Experience working with Headteachers or at system / regional level.
- Knowledge of commissioning and place-based working.
What can I expect?
- A competitive salary.
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
- Hybrid working (subject to role suitability).
- Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
- Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.
Name: Jacqui Dundas
Tel:
E-mail:
Safeguarding
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
Probation
In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.
Diversity
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Leeds employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement alongside a commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. With access to high-quality training programmes and a range of benefits including discounted public transport and leisure facilities, this role as Strategic SEND Cluster Lead provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on inclusive education in the community while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Leeds
✨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 learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND reforms and inclusive practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic SEND Cluster Lead and how you can drive improvements across schools.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've influenced change or led successful initiatives in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a confident and credible leader during interviews.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team at Wakefield Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic SEND Cluster Lead in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in SEND or inclusion leadership, as this will resonate with us and show that you're the right fit for the role.
Be Data-Driven:We love candidates who can translate data into meaningful action. In your application, highlight your experience using data to inform planning and decision-making. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive improvements across schools.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Make sure to showcase your strategic leadership experience across multiple settings. We want to see how you've influenced system change and built partnerships, so include relevant examples that illustrate your credibility and confidence as a leader.
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 don't miss out on any important updates about the recruitment process. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and current reforms. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also ready to apply it in practice.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Prepare to talk about how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills led to positive outcomes in inclusive education or system change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic leadership. Highlight experiences where you've successfully influenced practice across multiple schools and how you foster collaboration among diverse teams.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of a few real-life scenarios where you had to act as a trusted advisor or lead a cluster meeting. Be prepared to share how you navigated challenges and drove improvements, as this will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
