Inclusion Strategy Lead (Fixed Term – One Year)
Location: St Christopher School, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire
Contract: Full Time, Term Time plus 4 weeks (One Year Fixed Term Contract)
Salary: £68,788 - £74,033 (Leadership Scale L19 - L22, dependent on experience)
Lead Inclusion at St Chris – Make a Meaningful Impact
Are you an experienced leader in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with a passion for inclusive education? St Christopher School is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Inclusion Strategy Lead to oversee and enhance SEND provision across our Junior and Senior Schools, including our specialist provision, Arunfield .
This is a pivotal role for an ambitious individual who is ready to drive strategic development, staff leadership, and policy implementation, ensuring all students receive the highest standards of education, support, and care.
About the Role
As our Inclusion Strategy Lead, you will:
* Lead and develop the whole-school SEND strategy, ensuring high-quality support for students across all phases.
* Oversee Arunfield, ensuring effective provision for students with complex SEND needs in collaboration with parents, staff, and external professionals.
* Drive inclusive practice across the school, ensuring all students receive the tailored support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
* Line manage the Assistant Head (SENDCo), the Arunfield team (including the Nurse, SEMH Lead, Administrative staff, LSA Autism, and EAL provision) .
* Provide strategic oversight of SEND admissions, ensuring a robust and compliant process.
* Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and governors, reporting on SEND strategy and student progress.
* Implement Quality Assurance (QA) activities, including lesson observations, work scrutiny, and student feedback.
* Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, leading the review and implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and other key documentation.
* Deliver training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for staff, ensuring best practice in inclusive teaching.
* Work with the Examinations Officer to ensure appropriate Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) for SEND and EAL students.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National SENDCo Award .
* Has substantial leadership experience in a SEND role across both primary and secondary education .
* Possesses in-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive teaching strategies.
* Is highly skilled in managing and developing a team, including SEND and EAL specialists.
* Has experience leading the EHCP process, ensuring compliance with statutory frameworks.
* Is confident in working with external agencies, fostering strong partnerships for student support.
* Demonstrates strong analytical and strategic thinking, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
* Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, working effectively with students, staff, and parents.
* Is committed to continuous professional development, staying up to date with the latest SEND research and best practices.
Why Join St Chris?
* A supportive and inclusive school community, dedicated to the success and wellbeing of every student.
* Competitive benefits, including free vegetarian lunches, a pension scheme (8% employer contribution), and access to a health plan.
* On-site facilities, including a gym and swimming pool.
* A progressive educational ethos, where individuality and innovation are valued.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 12:00pm, Wednesday 5 March 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025
Interested? Apply via. Please complete an application form (CVs not accepted) and submit it along with a covering letter to hr@stchris.co.uk .
For an informal conversation about the role, contact Zoe Weaver, Director of People at 01462 650962 .
Safeguarding Commitment
St Chris is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to child protection screening, including references and an Enhanced DBS check .
We Welcome Diversity
We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Join us in shaping an inclusive and forward-thinking learning environment where every student can achieve more than they thought possible.