SEND & Inclusion Lead - Alternative Provision & Vocational Education

Location: Gloucestershire
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 - depending on experience
Contract: Full Time | Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week

An innovative alternative education provider specialising in construction and vocational learning is seeking a passionate and experienced SEND & Inclusion Lead to join its growing team in Gloucestershire.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced SEND professional who is committed to transforming outcomes for young people who may not thrive within traditional education settings. The role combines strategic SEND leadership, SEMH support, staff development, and inclusive practice within a highly personalised learning environment.

The organisation supports learners aged 14+ through vocational pathways, functional skills delivery, small-group teaching, and tailored interventions designed to rebuild confidence, engagement, and long-term progression.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will take a lead role in shaping and developing SEND and SEMH provision across the organisation, ensuring learners receive high-quality, person-centred support that enables them to succeed both academically and personally.

Working closely with leadership, teaching staff, Local Authorities, and external professionals, you will champion inclusive practice, oversee EHCP processes, and help create a nurturing, trauma-informed culture where young people can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee SEND and SEMH provision across the organisation
• Coordinate EHCP annual reviews, independence reviews, and support planning
• Work closely with Local Authorities, parents, and external agencies
• Support teaching staff with differentiated and inclusive learning strategies
• Embed trauma-informed and emotionally aware approaches across the provision
• Monitor learner progress, interventions, provision mapping, and outcomes
• Deliver coaching, mentoring, and training to staff teams
• Support safeguarding, wellbeing, behaviour, and student engagement strategies
• Contribute to quality assurance, self-assessment, and inspection readiness
• Provide operational leadership support when required to ensure the smooth running of the provision

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Level 3 qualification or above in SEND, Inclusion, SEMH, or a related field
• Strong understanding of SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes
• Experience supporting young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs
• Experience leading EHCP reviews and multi-agency collaboration
• Confident mentoring and developing staff teams
• Strong communication, organisational, and relationship-building skills
• A proactive, solution-focused, and student-centred approach
• Experience within alternative provision, specialist education, or vocational learning environments is highly desirable
• Desirable Experience
• SENCO qualification
• Mental Health First Aid or SEMH-focused training
• Experience supporting Ofsted inspections or quality improvement activity
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches

What's on Offer

• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Ongoing CPD, training, and career development opportunities
• Laptop, mobile phone, and uniform provided
• Free on-site parking
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives every day

This role would suit an experienced SEND practitioner, Inclusion Lead, SENCO, or SEMH specialist looking to join a values-led organisation where inclusion, wellbeing, and learner success are at the centre of everything they do.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters.

Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.