Trust SEND & Inclusion Specialist Advisor

Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust; Loughton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lead inclusion strategy

Flexible working

Collaborative leadership

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust is seeking an ambitious Trust SEND & Inclusion Specialist Advisor to drive systemic, trust-wide innovation across all 16 primary settings. You will champion research-informed approaches, embed early intervention frameworks, and align with IMF and local SEND strategies to raise educational equity.

You will lead staff development, coach Headteachers and SENDCos, implement ISP and non-statutory frameworks, engage families, and collaborate with Local

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with QTS and a relevant SEND qualification.
• Extensive leadership experience in mainstream and SEND settings.
• Expertise in SEND Code of Practice, EHCPs, ISPs, and high-needs funding.

Responsibilities

• Shape and publish an annual Trust Inclusion Strategy aligned with standards.
• Provide leadership coaching to Heads and SENDCos across 16 schools.
• Embed non-statutory early intervention frameworks and ISP/Tiered models.
• Lead high-needs casework and curriculum adaptations for inclusion.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities, NHS and partners to optimise funding.

Skills

Coaching

Mediation

Report writing

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Post-graduate qualification in SEND

Master's in Inclusive Education/Leadership

Tools

ISPs

Tiered support model

CPD design

Job description

This is an extraordinarily exciting time to join Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust! We are seeking an ambitious, high-impact leader to step into the pivotal central role of Trust SEND & Inclusion Specialist Advisor.

Far beyond traditional advisory support, you will be empowered to drive systemic, trust-wide innovation across all 16 of our primary settings. From pioneering multi-tiered support models to shaping local Essex SEND strategies, you will be at the forefront of educational equity. Join us, empower our staff, and lead a vibrant culture where every child flourishes!

In this central post, you will champion research-informed approaches, embed non-statutory early intervention frameworks, and lead strategic alignment with the Inclusion Mainstream Fund (IMF), emerging National Inclusion Standards, and local Essex SEND strategies—positioning EFSPT as a regional beacon for inclusive excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Shape, implement, and publish an annual Trust Inclusion Strategy aligned with National Inclusion Standards and Ofsted frameworks. Establish robust tracking systems for intervention impact and Return on Investment (ROI) data across Trust schools to inform Trust governance and Local Authority reporting.

• Systemic Capacity Building: Build long-term staff capacity by providing targeted leadership coaching to Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams, and SENDCos. Design, deliver, and evaluate high-impact CPD across all career stages (ECTs, TAs, SENDCos, SLT) on adaptive teaching, neurodiversity, therapeutic approaches, and positive behaviour support.

• Tiered Framework Implementation: Lead the trust-wide embedding of non-statutory early intervention frameworks, robust Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and the multi-tiered support model (Targeted, Targeted Plus, Specialist).

• High-Needs Advisory Support: Provide expert specialist casework leadership and outreach for complex, high-needs profiles. Model and advise on curriculum adaptation, reasonable adjustments, structured interventions, and environmental modifications to ensure complex pupils thrive in mainstream settings.

• Community & Multi-Agency Alignment: Foster transparent, trusting relationships with families, leading workshops and support networks to strengthen home-school alignment. Collaborate closely with Local Authorities, NHS health teams, and external partners to optimise funding streams and referral pathways.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a dedicated professional who brings:

• Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a recognised post-graduate qualification/training in SEND (e.g., NASENCO, NPQSEND). A Master's degree in Inclusive Education/Leadership or coaching accreditation is highly desirable.

• Experience: Substantial teaching and strategic leadership experience across mainstream primary and/or specialist SEND settings. A proven track record in leading whole-school inclusion transformation, adult CPD, staff mentoring, and high-needs casework. MAT or multi-school cluster experience is highly advantageous.

• Knowledge & Skills: Expert understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP statutory processes, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), the Tiered Support Model, and high-needs funding mechanisms (including the Inclusion Mainstream Fund).

• Operational Requirements: Exceptional coaching, mediation, and report-writing skills; a valid UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for travel across Trust settings; and full alignment with EFSPT’s core values.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead strategic inclusion across 16 primary schools and establish regional best practices.

• Flexible working arrangements, including permanent or secondment opportunities for high-performing leaders.

• Direct collaborative working with the CEO, Director of Operations, and Trust Board.

• Access to research-led professional development and comprehensive staff wellbeing support.