Network Lead for SEND

Given the launch of our 10-year inclusion strategy and 3 year SEND strategic plan, Ark is excited to expand the Pastoral and Inclusion team to enhance the capacity of the team and therefore the support it can provide to all schools in the network.

The Network Lead for SEND will provide strategic and operational leadership and support to ensure high-quality provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the Ark network.  In particular this role will focus on developing our network approach to Quality First Teaching, Adaptive Practice and provision within the classroom. This role involves working closely with school leaders, SEND coordinators (SENCos), central education team staff and other stakeholders. Applications from both primary and secondary phase staff are welcome.

The Network Lead for SEND will report into Head of Inclusion. This role is currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office on a permanent basis working full time.

First-round interviews will take place virtually on w/c 12^th May and second round interviews will take place in person w/c 19^th May.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Inclusion and Director of Pastoral and Inclusion in implementing the SEND Strategy
• Provide strategic advice and support to school leaders on SEND provision
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure high-quality and adaptive teaching practices across the network
• Provide guidance and support to school leaders and teachers in adopting effective and flexible teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs of students with SEND
• Ensure that all schools within the network adhere to statutory requirements and best practices in SEND provision
• Design and deliver training programs for senior leaders SENCos, teachers, and support staff to enhance their understanding and skills in supporting students with SEND and implementing inclusive practices
• Facilitate professional development opportunities and share best practices across the network
• Monitor the effectiveness of SEND provision across the network through regular reviews, audits, and data analysis
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with school leaders, SENCos, and external agencies
• Prepare reports on SEND provision and outcomes for the Director of Pastoral and Inclusion, Regional Directors, Management Team and other stakeholders
• Ensure that all schools are held accountable for their SEND provision and that students with SEND receive the support they need to succeed

Key Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK
• Qualified to degree level and above
• Qualified to teach in the UK
• Evidence of relevant professional development
• An excellent teacher, with a proven track record of improving outcomes for all students including students with SEND
• Demonstrable experience and expertise of SEND leadership
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, policies, and best practices
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in SEND provision within a multi-academy trust
• Ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Passion for improving outcomes for students with SEND
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Our hybrid working model aims to offer the best of both worlds, striking the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote working. You will work a minimum of two days per week in our state-of-the-art office in West London allowing you to connect with colleagues, with the flexibility to work remotely, or in the office over the remaining days
• In addition to our current hybrid working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad
• Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to. Depending on your role you may also be entitled to TPS which is a defined benefit scheme where you contribute a percentage based on how much you earn (as do we) in exchange for a guaranteed amount in your pension pot every year
• Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests

Ark is an education charity that exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life. Our network of 39 schools reaches traditionally underserved communities in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. We educate 30,000 pupils and have nearly 3,000 teaching staff across our network. We also incubate and scale innovative ventures, which we roll out beyond our network of schools for the benefit of teachers, pupils and the education system as a whole. Current Ventures include Ark Curriculum Plus, which equips teachers with the subject expertise needed to ensure students succeed, and Ark Start, a growing chain of nurseries offering affordable, high-quality early years education.

Recently, Ark moved to new offices at EdCity – a unique not-for-profit development in West London, in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham council. EdCity is designed to bring mission-aligned organisations together to focus on improving the lives of children, especially through education. It offers leased offices, a range of venues for training and events, and an innovation hub for the education sector to connect, collaborate and learn together.