SEND & Inclusion Lead (Post 16)

Role Purpose The SEND & Inclusion Lead is responsible for the effective operational leadership and inclusive practice across Post 16 provision, ensuring that all learners-particularly those with SEND and additional needs-are supported to succeed in a safe, structured, and high-quality environment. The role combines service delivery, SEND leadership, pastoral oversight, and safeguarding (DSL responsibilities) to ensure provision is cohesive, compliant, and learner-centred. Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

• Lead the day-to-day delivery across:
+ Post 16 Hubs + 19-25 provision + Outreach teams
• Oversee timetabling, staffing allocation, and capacity planning
• Ensure consistency of systems and processes across all sites
• Line manage operational and support roles (e.g. Regional Leads, Assistant Regional, pastoral leads where applicable)
• Work closely with Regional Coordinators to ensure smooth delivery
__________________________________________________ 2. SEND Leadership & Inclusion
• Provide strategic and operational oversight of SEND provision
• Ensure EHCPs and support plans are:
+ Effectively implemented + Regularly reviewed + Impact-driven
• Support staff to meet a wide range of learner needs
• Promote inclusive teaching, behaviour, and engagement approaches
• Liaise with external professionals (Local Authorities, therapists, etc.)
• Monitor and evaluate the quality and impact of SEND support
• Ensure compliance with statutory SEND requirements
__________________________________________________ 3. Safeguarding Leadership (DSL)
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Post 16 provision
• Lead on safeguarding concerns, referrals, and multi-agency work
• Ensure all safeguarding procedures are robust and compliant
• Maintain accurate and secure safeguarding records
• Provide guidance, supervision, and training to staff
• Monitor safeguarding trends and implement proactive interventions
__________________________________________________ 4. Pastoral & Behaviour Oversight
• Lead and develop the pastoral support structure
• Oversee Lead Pastoral roles and intervention strategies
• Ensure consistent approaches to:
+ Behaviour management + Attendance and engagement + Emotional wellbeing support
• Identify and coordinate support for high-risk and vulnerable learners
• Promote a positive, inclusive and trauma-informed culture
__________________________________________________ 5. Compliance, Quality & Risk
• Ensure operational compliance with:
+ Funding requirements + Ofsted expectations + Safeguarding and SEND regulations
• Oversee registers, documentation, and audit readiness
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Support quality assurance processes across provision
__________________________________________________ 6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Track key performance indicators including:
+ Attendance + Engagement + Behaviour + Safeguarding trends
• Analyse data to identify areas for improvement
• Report regularly to the Senior Manager
• Use insights to strengthen provision and outcomes
__________________________________________________ 7. Staff Leadership & Development
• Line manage designated staff across pastoral, SEND and operational areas
• Support staff development in:
+ Inclusive practice + Safeguarding + Behaviour management
• Build a culture of accountability, consistency and high expectations
__________________________________________________ 8. Collaboration & Strategic Contribution
• Work alongside the Teaching & Learning Manager to align:
+ Curriculum delivery + Learner support + Inclusion strategies
• Contribute to strategic planning and service development
• Support organisational growth and inspection readiness
__________________________________________________ Person Specification Essential:
• Experience in SEND, inclusion, or alternative provision leadership
• Strong knowledge of EHCP processes and SEND frameworks
• Experience as a DSL or safeguarding lead
• Experience managing pastoral systems and high-need learners
• Proven ability to lead operational delivery across multiple services/sites
• Strong organisational, leadership and communication skills
__________________________________________________ Desirable:
• SENCo qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience in Post 16 or alternative provision settings
• Understanding of Ofsted frameworks
• Safeguarding or SEND-specific training
  
  Essential:
• Experience in SEND, inclusion, or alternative provision leadership
• Strong knowledge of EHCP processes and SEND frameworks
• Experience as a DSL or safeguarding lead
• Experience managing pastoral systems and high-need learners
• Proven ability to lead operational delivery across multiple services/sites
• Strong organisational, leadership and communication skills, SENCo qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience in Post 16 or alternative provision settings
• Understanding of Ofsted frameworks
• Safeguarding or SEND-specific training