Trust SEND & Inclusion Specialist Advisor

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.