Job Introduction
SEND Lead Practitioner
Salary: Leadership Scale (L13 £69,936 – L17 - £77,148)
Are you an exceptional and experienced SEND teacher with a passion for transforming the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead a highly specialised, nurturing provision?
If so, we would love you to join our team in our new role as SEND Lead Practitioner.
About The Cove
The Cove is our local authority SEMH resource provision, where we offer an alternative learning environment for up to 10 female students, all of whom hold an EHCP with SEMH as their primary need.
Our mission is simple: to provide safety, stability and a curriculum that builds foundational skills alongside preparing the students for a successful post-16 pathway.
The Role
As our SEND Lead Practitioner, you will be the driving force behind the day-to-day running, culture and curriculum of The Cove. This is a rare opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced SEND practitioner- ideally with AP or specialist setting experience-to step into a key leadership position.
You will:
- Redesign and deliver an innovative, skills-based curriculum that develops foundational literacy, numeracy, ICT and communication skills through practical application and life-skills
- Lead learning that is rooted in practical application, life skills, personal development and readiness for next steps
- Oversee daily operations of the provision, ensuring a calm, consistent and purposeful environment
- Lead and inspire a dedicated staff team, including:
- 1 part-time teacher
- 2 full-time Pupil Support Workers
- 1 HLTA
- Establish and embed clear behaviour routines and expectations that support emotional regulation, safety and positive relationships
- Monitor pupil progress closely, ensuring robust record-keeping and effective tracking of EHCP targets
- Work closely with families, external agencies and school leadership to secure the best possible outcomes for every learner
- Teach a reduced timetable provision within The Cove
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an individual who is:
- An excellent classroom practitioner with substantial SEND experience
- Highly skilled in working with children with SEMH as their primary need
- Experienced within alternative provision or specialist SEMH settings
- Resilient, creative and committed to trauma-informed, relational practice
- Excited by the challenge of shaping a curriculum and culture that truly meets the needs of vulnerable learners
- Ready for a leadership role that offers autonomy, impact and the chance to build something exceptional
- Why Join Us?
- A unique chance to shape the future of a specialist provision
- A supportive school and local authority that prioritises staff wellbeing and development
- The opportunity to lead a small, highly focused team and make measurable impact on the lives of young people
- A role perfect for a talented teacher ready to progress into leadership
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner and you’re ready to be that champion, then this is the role for you.
We encourage visits from prospective candidates to meet members of our school community. If you would like to visit the school or talk with a member of the Senior Leadership Team about the post, please contact Nikki Purse on 02380463303 or via email: nicola.purse@woodlands.southampton.sch.uk
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 7th January 2025
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
