Strategic SEND Cluster Lead
1 day ago
Wakefield
Job description 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.