Trust SENCO (Derby / Derbyshire)

Job Description

Why join us as Trust SENCO (Derby and Derbyshire)?

Are you a passionate and experienced SENCO ready to make system-wide impact beyond a single school?

We are seeking an exceptional practitioner and leader to join our Trust as a Trust SENCO, working across a family of primary and secondary schools in Derby City and Derbyshire.

This is a unique opportunity to move beyond operational SENCO work in one setting and instead shape inclusive practice, influence leaders, and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND at scale.

You will join a Trust that is deeply committed to inclusion, ambition and equity - where SEND is not a bolt-on, but central to school improvement, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance. We are ambitious for children with SEND, EAL and Pupil Premium, and uncompromising in our belief that vulnerability should never limit life chances.

As a Trust SENCO, you will:

Provide strategic leadership of SEND across multiple schools

Support and challenge school-based SENCOs to deliver high-quality, inclusive provision

Ensure statutory compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes

Lead quality assurance, data analysis and improvement work

Develop a strong cross-phase SENCO network, building expertise across the Trust

Work in partnership with local authorities, families and external agencies

This is a highly visible and influential role, working closely with senior leaders to ensure every child gets the right support at the right time.

You will also be a core part of the Inclusion Team, contributing to broader trust priorities through data-informed improvement work, professional networks, policy development and targeted reviews. The role provides a clear line of sight between strategic leadership, academy-level practice and improved outcomes for children.

We are looking for an experienced, values-driven leader who combines strong technical knowledge with credibility, empathy and influence. Someone who understands the realities of school leadership, can hold high expectations with compassion, and is motivated by impact rather than profile.

Early application is strongly encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and close the advert ahead of the closing date.

Spencer Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children and young people. Therefore, we expect everyone to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre- employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Barred List Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the completion of Level 2 Safeguarding training. It is an offence to apply for the role if an applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children (where the role involves this type of regulated activity).

The Trust and its member academies are committed to promoting equality and diversity in both employment and education provision. We aim to ensure that students, parents, governors, employees, contractors, partners, clients and other stakeholders within the Trust community are treated fairly, and with dignity and respect regardless of Protected Characteristics.

Spencer Academies Trust is a Disability Confident Committed Employer.