Trust SEND Lead

Job title : Trust SEND Lead

Contract type : Permanent

Salary : L7-L11

Hours : Full time, five days per week (on-site working across all 20 schools)

Start date : 1st September or 1st January

About the Role

We are seeking a Trust SEND Lead to standardise and elevate SEND provision across our 20 schools. Reporting to the Director of Inclusion, this is a hands-on, site-based leadership role focused on driving consistent classroom practice and supporting school-based SENDCOs.

This position requires daily travel; you will spend your time on the ground in schools, conducting audits, monitoring compliance and working directly with staff and students.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide immediate advice, mentorship, and crisis leadership to SENDCOs and school leaders dealing with complex cases.

Conduct rigorous school audits and deep dives to identify performance trends and implement rapid improvement plans.

Convert complex SEND data into clear, evaluative briefings for the Trust Board, Head of Governance and senior executives.

Establish and lead a trust-wide SENDCO network while designing training to build consistent expertise across all schools.

Act as the primary trust representative to challenge external agencies and secure essential services from health, social care, and local authorities.

About You

You are a resilient, confident leader who can establish immediate credibility with Headteachers and hold external partners to account. This role requires a non-negotiable commitment to being on-site five days a week across our locations.

Qualifications & Experience:

QTS, degree-level education, and a recognised SENDCo qualification.

Significant experience as a SENDCo or senior school leader with direct SEND oversight.

A background in Primary education is desirable but not essential

Proven track record of turning high-level inclusion strategies into practical classroom interventions.

Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

Skills & Knowledge:

Expert knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act, EHCP processes, and Ofsted inspection frameworks.

Clear understanding of how SEND intersects with safeguarding, attendance, and behaviour.

Ability to analyse data, spot operational barriers and maintain emotional stability during critical incidents.

Credible communicator who can quickly build a strong working relationship with Headteachers, school staff, and governors

About us

CSET is made up of four secondary schools and 3 primary schools, all working towards the shared ambition of creating a great education for every child. Whilst each of our schools retains its own unique identity and ethos, being part of a family of schools brings additional support and opportunity to share expertise, provision and costs across the trust.

From September CSET will be part of the newly formed Pathway Trust. Pathway brings together two existing trusts, CSET and The Priory