National Director Secondary SEND

National Director Secondary SEND

Location: Home based with significant travel and overnight stays.

Salary- Competitive

Are you a visionary leader passionate about SEND Education? We are seeking a strategic leader to focus on inclusion and SEND as part of the trusts Secondary Education team and Education Strategic group.

E-ACT intends to become a system leader in the education of SEND pupils developing outstanding provision in all of our secondary academies. The trust is also keen to grow additional specialist provision to cater for a wider range of pupil needs working closely with local authorities and other agencies. This post will work closely with the National Director Primary SEND to lead whole Trust initiatives.

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven track record of developing specialist provision and championing the needs of SEND pupils. The successful candidate will play a critical role in transforming lives and positioning E-ACT as a leader in SEND education.

Key responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of SEND provision across secondary academies, ensuring rigorous quality assurance and constructive challenge to maintain outstanding, research-driven, and purpose-fit standards.
• Design and implement comprehensive strategic and operational plans for SEND and safeguarding across the Trust, accompanied by evaluation frameworks to ensure continuous improvement.
• Lead on operational and policy development, including an in depth understanding of the challenges posed by education, social care, healthcare and skills and employability.
• Build strong partnerships with Local Authorities to optimise funding opportunities, while addressing challenges and advocating effectively to secure the best outcomes for SEND provision.
• Strategic oversight of the Secondary SEND Budgets, utilising the provision map software to look at income versus provision. Working with the finance team to ensure value for money, impact and clarity.
• Be passionate about ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities are given every opportunity to learn, achieve and flourish

Join us in Opening Minds, Opening Doors! 

Are you ready to be part of an educational community that creates an environment where children can flourish? You could join an academy that focusses on developing the whole child and has a people-first culture. We know the importance of developing our colleagues to be the best they can be to ensure our children achieve the best outcomes.  

Recognising the significance of empowering our colleagues to excel, we are actively seeking an enthusiastic and committed deputy headteacher. Join us as we strive for excellence, ensuring our children attain the finest outcomes.   

Qualifications and Skills:

• To lead in developing and implementing the SEND provision across all secondary academies
• Have a proven track record of outstanding education SEND leadership and setting of SEND targets
• Strong knowledge of national policy and guidance around SEND
• Demonstrate a strong track record in addressing SEND attendance, behaviour, and suspensions to promote inclusion and positive outcomes.
• Ensure all information required by the National Education Director and other key colleagues is produced accurately, timely and efficiently. 
• Have expertise in managing SEND-related finances, including working closely with Local Authorities to identify and secure funding streams to maximise support for learners.

·        Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

·        Evidence of continuous professional development

What are we about? 

Outstanding Teaching and Learning: We strongly believe that outstanding teaching and learning are the keys to unlocking exceptional outcomes for our children. You will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality education that nurtures the minds of our students. 

Advocacy and inclusion: At our academy, every child matters, regardless of their background. Your role will involve providing each child with a fantastic, inspiring, and inclusive education that recognises and celebrates their individuality. 

People-First Culture: We proudly celebrate the diversity of our academy and our community. Join us in co-constructing the essence of an extraordinary workplace and learning environment where both staff and students feel valued and included. 

Collaborative Excellence: Our exceptional staff collaborate across our 38 academies to share ideas and problem solve. As a Deputy Headteacher with us, you will have the opportunity to share your skills, hear from experts and work with staff across the country to develop your practice.  

 About E-ACT: 

Join a trust that is going places! 

Having recently won TES Team of the Year 2024, MAT of the Year 2023 at both the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, this is a very exciting time to join us! Why do we feel we have been recognised as a strong MAT? It is down to our dedicated, talented staff that are committed in delivering nothing but excellence for all of our children and young people. 

We all pride ourselves in fostering a people-first culture, which extends to all our pupils, staff, and stakeholders. We are proud to lead a community of 38 academies, educating of over 25,000 pupils across our five core hubs. Our staff satisfaction is above national benchmarks and we run a range of projects and programmes to address key topics such as workload and wellbeing. 

Our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy is at the forefront of everything we do, we don’t just prepare our pupils for the world; we equip them to thrive and succeed within it. Through our collaborative approach to education, we aim to open doors to a world of opportunities, where every child can pursue their dreams. 

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk 

Benefits: 

Collaborative Working: Thrive in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collective success. 

Support System of 38 Academies: Be part of a network of 38 academies, providing a dedicated support system and opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counselling services, providing emotional support and guidance when needed. 

Cycle to Work: Enjoy a healthy commute with our cycle-to-work programme, making bicycles more affordable. 

Generous Pension: Secure your future with a robust pension plan, ensuring financial well-being during retirement. 

How to apply: 

Simply follow click on apply to submit your application. 

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing and returning our application and equal opportunities form. 

We encourage colleagues to visit or contact us in advance of an application to discuss the school, community and the role. Please contact Sian John on sian.john@e-act.org.uk or on 07748 615902.