At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusive education initiatives across schools and drive impactful SEND reforms.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council, dedicated to shaping a better future for children with SEND.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, hybrid working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive work environment with a focus on wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and significant experience in SEND leadership 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: 01924 302124
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.
Fluency Duty
To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.
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.
Why Wakefield
To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.
Strategic SEND Cluster Lead employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff. As a Strategic SEND Cluster Lead, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to high-quality training programmes that foster professional growth. With a commitment to work-life balance and a range of employee benefits, including discounted transport and leisure facilities, Wakefield Council is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community while nurturing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic SEND Cluster Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND reforms and inclusive practices. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the current landscape – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic SEND Cluster Lead. We want to hear how you can drive improvements and support schools effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic SEND Cluster Lead
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 schools or settings. We want to see how you've influenced system change and built partnerships, so include relevant examples that illustrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team at Wakefield Council.
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 understand how to apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your strategic leadership experience across multiple schools. Think about times when you've influenced system change or built partnerships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Data is Your Friend
Be ready to talk about how you've used data and insights to inform planning and decision-making. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills led to meaningful action in an educational setting.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with education, health, and care colleagues. Emphasise your ability to drive shared priorities and foster multi-agency working.
