At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to improve outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a supportive and inclusive local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Friendly workplace culture focused on inclusion and professional excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on inclusive education and shape future practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with substantial SEND experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 52761 - 57297 € per year.
Salary: £52,761 - £57,297 per annum
Hours per week: 32.5 hours
Interview date: Friday 03 July 2026
We are seeking an experienced and passionate education professional with strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly in the areas of communication and interaction, and cognition and learning.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop at a senior professional level within Wiltshire Council’s Specialist SEN Service. You will work alongside highly skilled colleagues, schools/other educational settings, parents and multi-agency partners, shaping inclusive practice across the county. The service uses evidence-informed approaches, latest best practice including assistive technology and provides county-wide training and opportunities for accreditation.
You will also have the opportunity to influence service development and advance your career within a respected local authority that makes a real difference and is already planning for the SEND Reforms and potential changes at national level.
On a day-to-day basis, you will support the Professional Lead to provide leadership to a team of specialist teachers, including some direct line management, deputise for the Professional Lead where required, oversee quality assurance, and contribute to service planning and performance. You will engage in and support complex casework, deliver training, advise schools and settings, contribute to tribunal processes where necessary, and ensure that current research and best practice are embedded across the service.
You will be a qualified teacher with substantial post-qualification SEND experience, including at primary and secondary phases, strong knowledge of SEND legislation and practice and proven experience of leading and supporting teachers. You will have expertise in working collaboratively with families, schools and partner agencies.
If you are motivated by impact, professional excellence and inclusive education, we would welcome your application.
Why us?
Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.
We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
Contact details: Helen Ortner, Professional Lead Specialist SEN Service, at Helen.Ortner@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.
We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
While we welcome applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship, we are not able to issue a defined certificate of sponsorship due to limitations in our sponsorship capacity. We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer.
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Deputy Professional Lead Specialist SEN Service in Trowbridge employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, the Specialist SEN Service offers opportunities for career advancement and collaboration with skilled colleagues, schools, and multi-agency partners, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. Our hybrid working model and focus on positive relationships ensure that staff feel engaged and valued in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Professional Lead Specialist SEN Service in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with special educational needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Wiltshire Council’s values and recent initiatives in SEND. Show us you’re not just passionate but also informed about how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and collaboration. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Professional Lead Specialist SEN Service in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure your application aligns with our expectations.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your SEND background and leadership skills. We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Be Authentic:While it’s tempting to use AI tools for assistance, we value authenticity in your application. Make sure your submission reflects your genuine experiences, skills, and motivations. Let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application is considered, please apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of all applications and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, especially in communication and interaction, and cognition and learning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams or supporting teachers. Think about specific situations where you've influenced positive change or improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
✨Engage with the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach quality assurance, service planning, and complex casework, demonstrating your understanding of the role's impact on inclusive education.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with schools, families, and multi-agency partners, think of examples that showcase your collaborative skills. Highlight how you've successfully worked with different stakeholders to achieve common goals in the past.
