Regional SEND Lead - South West

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension schemes

Life cover

31 days annual leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

E-ACT is seeking a Regional SEND Lead to provide strategic and operational leadership for SEND across multiple academies in the South West region. The role involves regular travel to academies, working with leaders and central teams to drive inclusive practice and improve pupil outcomes.

The postholder will coach SENDCOs, lead SEND strategy and collaborate with Local Authorities, with the aim of strengthening SEND provision Trust-wide.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status with significant leadership experience.
• Proven track record of improving SEND provision across settings.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Strong teaching and learning expertise with adaptive practice.
• Credible, influential leader with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement a regional SEND strategy aligned to the Trust’s vision and statutory duties.
• Conduct SEND reviews across academies, evaluating identification, provision and pupil outcomes.
• Improve the quality of teaching and learning for pupils with SEND through inclusive practice.
• Provide professional support, challenge and coaching to SENDCOs and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities and external agencies to strengthen SEND provision.

Skills

SEND leadership

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Coaching and development

SEND Code knowledge

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Job Title: Regional SEND Lead

Location: South West - This role requires regular travel to academies in the region and some national travel.

Join us in Opening Minds, Opening Doors!

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Regional SEND Lead to provide strategic and operational leadership for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across a group of academies. Working closely with academy leaders and the central education team, you will drive high-quality, inclusive practice and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND across primary, secondary and special settings.

This is a highly visible role requiring strong system leadership, deep SEND expertise and the ability to support, challenge and inspire leaders and teachers.

This regional role supports academies across our South West Region, including 10 Primary Academies, 1 Secondary Academy, 2 All-Through Academies, one of which is a Specialist Provision.

Specialist education knowledge is not essential for this role. While the role does not involve providing direct support to our specialist school, the postholder will work closely with the Specialist Education Director and contribute to relevant projects and initiatives as needed.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and implement a regional SEND strategy aligned to the Trust’s vision, inclusion priorities and statutory duties.
• Conduct SEND reviews across academies, evaluating identification, provision, teaching adaptations and pupil outcomes.
• Improve the quality of teaching and learning for pupils with SEND through inclusive, adaptive classroom practice.
• Provide professional support, challenge and coaching to SENDCOs and senior leaders, building leadership capacity.
• Work collaboratively across schools, central teams, Local Authorities and external agencies to strengthen SEND provision.

Pay range: L15 - L19 £75,664 - £83,478

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualified Teacher Status, with significant leadership experience (Assistant Headteacher level or equivalent).
• Proven track record of improving provision and outcomes for pupils with SEND across one or more settings.
• Secure and up-to-date knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education.
• Strong teaching and learning expertise, including adaptive practice and effective SEND strategies.
• Credible, influential leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to balance support with challenge.

What are we about?

Join a trust that is going places!

At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.

We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and nationally, providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Most recently, E-ACT was named Large Trust MAT of the Year 2026 at the MAT Excellence Awards. Our achievements are further recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, as well as the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024.

E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour. In addition, Greenfields Academy has been designated as a RISE Reception Network Lead School. This is a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.

With 37 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.

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

Benefits:

Financial and Lifestyle

We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.

Professional Growth and Development

We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.

Culture and Wellbeing

Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.

Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.