At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a SEND team, coordinate support, and ensure high-quality provision for students.
- Company: Join a supportive educational environment focused on inclusion and safeguarding.
- Benefits: Full-time role with term-time hours, offering professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a TA/HLTA with strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Fixed-term secondment until July 2026 with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are seeking a SEND Team Leader for our current Year 9 cohort who will oversee a year group caseload, coordinating support and ensuring high quality provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice. The SEND Team Leader will work closely with teachers, teaching assistants and external agencies to track outcomes and implement the graduated response. The Team Leader will lead on team routines (briefings, case discussions, documentation) and contribute to CPD for colleagues. The Team Leader upholds safeguarding and inclusion and models excellent practice across classrooms and interventions.
Responsibilities
- Oversee a year group caseload and coordinate support to ensure high quality provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
- Lead team routines (briefings, case discussions, documentation) and contribute to CPD for colleagues.
- Work with teachers, teaching assistants and external agencies to track outcomes and implement the graduated response.
- Uphold safeguarding and inclusion and model best practice across classrooms and interventions.
- Maintain and communicate clear expectations with parents, carers and professionals, and use data to inform next steps.
This role is full-time, term time β 37 hours per week x 39 weeks. This role is offered as a secondment opportunity on a fixed term basis until 17 July 2026. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks.
What we are looking for
- Experienced TAs/HLTAs who are confident coordinating support, communicating with families and professionals, and using data to inform next steps.
- Colleagues who embody our inclusive ethos, are organised and can lead with calm, solution-focused professionalism.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents (e.g., birth certificate, passport) in line with relevant legislation. Original documents relating to all qualifications listed on your application form must be supplied. Your employment history will be thoroughly checked, and clarification sought where there are gaps or discrepancies. References will be used to verify dates of employment and relevant experience, with a minimum of two written references requested before the interview (covering the last 3β5 years as a minimum). An online safety check and Safer Recruitment process will be conducted in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required, cross referenced against relevant lists (PoVA, PoCA, List 99). It is an offence to apply for work with children if disqualified from working with children. A firm offer of appointment will be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and may withdraw an offer if checks are not satisfactory.
SEND Team Leader employer: Westcountry Schools Trust
Contact Detail:
Westcountry Schools Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land SEND Team Leader
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the SEND Code of Practice. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in your role as a SEND Team Leader. Show us your passion for inclusion and safeguarding!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a SEND Team Leader, you'll need to liaise with teachers, parents, and external agencies. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Team Leader
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Use examples in your application that showcase your collaborative approach.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a SEND Team Leader, you'll need to lead routines and contribute to CPD. Share any relevant leadership experiences you've had, whether in a formal or informal capacity, to show us you're ready for this responsibility.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so donβt hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westcountry Schools Trust
β¨Know the SEND Code of Practice
Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would implement its guidelines in your role as a SEND Team Leader, especially regarding high-quality provision and tracking outcomes.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or coordinated support in the past. Highlight your experience with briefings, case discussions, and contributing to CPD for colleagues, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts on how to maintain clear expectations with parents, carers, and professionals. Being able to communicate effectively is crucial, so think about how you would approach these conversations.
β¨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you would uphold them in your role. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people.