Trust SENCO

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterton Academy Trust is seeking an experienced and highly skilled SEND leader to join our Trust and shape high-quality inclusive practice across our schools. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for SEND, working with school leaders, SENCOs, families and external agencies to ensure every child receives the support they need.

The role requires a strong understanding of SEND legislation, policy and best practice, with a proven track record of driving improvement and

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of current SEND legislation, policy and best practice.
• Proven track record of driving improvement and achieving positive outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
• Ability to influence and inspire others, develop SEND professionals across the Trust.
• Lead initiatives that promote consistency, inclusion and excellence in provision.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND across the Trust.
• Work with school leaders, SENCOs, families and external agencies to ensure targeted support.
• Evaluate provision, identify development areas and strengthen partnerships with families.
• Lead resource planning and develop SEND professionals to drive inclusive practice across schools.

Skills

SEND leadership

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy implementation

Education

SENCO qualification

Leadership qualification

Job description

Trust SENCO | L1-L3 | Waterton Academy Trust

Trust SENCO

Waterton Academy Trust

Walton Primary Academy The Grove, Walton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 6LD

Permanent

Full-Time

Salary L1-L3

Start Date January 2027

Interview Date(s)Tuesday 20th October 2026 – Friday 23rd October 2026

Waterton Academy Trust is a primary-only multi academy trust consisting of 16 primary schools and 5 specialist settings across Wakefield and Barnsley. Our shared ambition is to secure the very best outcomes for every child, ensuring they are fully prepared for future success and able to thrive within inclusive, supportive learning environments.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly skilled SEND leader to join our Trust and play a pivotal role in shaping and developing high-quality inclusive practice across our schools. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), working in partnership with school leaders, SENCOs, staff, families and external agencies to ensure that all children receive the support they need to achieve their full potential.

We are seeking an individual with a strong understanding of current SEND legislation, policy and best practice, together with a proven track record of driving improvement and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people with additional needs. The successful candidate will have the ability to influence and inspire others, develop the expertise of SEND professionals across the Trust, and lead initiatives that promote consistency, inclusion and excellence in provision.

The role requires a collaborative leader who is passionate about championing the needs of children with SEND and committed to ensuring that inclusive practice is embedded within every aspect of school life. You will work closely with Trust leaders and school-based SENCOs to evaluate provision, identify areas for development, support effective use of resources, and strengthen partnerships with families and external professionals.

At Waterton Academy Trust, we are proud of our culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. You will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to ensuring that every child belongs, succeeds and flourishes. We offer a supportive and forward-thinking environment where leaders are empowered to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families.

If you share our commitment to inclusion, have a passion for SEND leadership and are excited by the opportunity to influence practice across a growing Trust, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Trust SENCO | L1-L3 | Waterton Academy Trust