SEND Leader: Secondary Phase

Salford-Council; Swinton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Salford-Council is seeking a passionate SENCO with senior leadership experience in a mainstream secondary setting to lead SEND improvements across clusters of schools. You will review practices, develop action plans and provide ongoing bespoke support to SENCOs.

You will promote effective SEND leadership, ensure proper use of the Graduated Approach, and act as a broker and evaluator for SEND on SEN Panels, connecting with Salford services as needed.

Qualifications

• Qualified SENCO with senior leadership experience in a mainstream secondary setting.
• Proven track record of improving outcomes for SEND.
• Strong resilience and communication skills to build effective school relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure with competing priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Work across clusters of schools to enhance SEND strategy and whole-school planning.
• Review current practices, create action plans and provide ongoing support.
• Promote effective SEND leadership and bespoke support to SENCOs.
• Signpost to Salford services and coordinate with SEN Panels and related initiatives.

Skills

SENCO experience

Senior Leadership experience

Teacher

Communication skills

Education

QTS

SENCO qualification

Job description

About us

We aim to support SEND learners throughout the city, through whole school improvement support. The team is currently made up of 8 professionals and between them, cover the whole age range and school phases. We predominantly work with SENDCOs and Leadership Teams, to review their current provision and improve their structures and systems, ensuring the best outcomes for learners with SEND. As previous SENDCOs and Local Authority professionals, we are a passionate about the wellbeing and support for SENDCOs. Following the Salford Thrive model, our service offer includes a SEND advice service, a Best Practice Directory, Ofsted Preparation, SEND Leadership CPD as well as Quality Assurance and ongoing, in-setting support.

About the Role

You will work across clusters of schools and education settings to enhance their whole school strategy for SEND. You will be reviewing current setting practices, procedures and systems and identifying areas for development, creating action plans and providing ongoing support, where necessary. You will promote effective SEND Leadership and provide bespoke support to SENCOs where identified. You will ensure the setting is using the Graduated Approach effectively and be able to signpost to other Salford services where appropriate. You will support the effective transition of SEND learners and act as an impartial broker and evaluator for SEND by being an active member on SEN Panels. As part of the SEND Reforms, you will support the Experts At Hand model, working collaboratively with services.

About you

We are looking for a passionate, qualified SENCO in the Secondary Phase. You will be a teacher with Senior Leadership experience in a mainstream school. You will have a proven track record of success in supporting and improving outcomes for SEND. Your resilience and communication skills will enhance strong and positive relationships with schools and education settings.

You will have the ability to be flexible and work under pressure with competing demands and priorities and have a good understanding of children’s services and the pressures that settings and colleagues experience. You will have a strong sense of personal responsibility and a high level of integrity and are able to work effectively alone or as part of a team. Your passion for SEND and inclusion will be evident and you will model and demonstrate our values and behaviours.

Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check – currently £49.50 (£41 for checks completed from 5th October 2026). The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £12.38 per month (£10.25 per month from 5th October 2026). If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £49.50 (£41 from 5th October 2026).

If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants

If you have completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development Programme within the last 2 years, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.

What we need from you if you are invited to interview:

• Passport/ID - You will be required to provide original documentation confirming your right to work in the UK. Successful candidates will also be required to provide proof of address.

• Qualifications/registrations - You will need to provide original copies of your QTS and SENCO qualification.

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