Head of SEND Learning & Teaching

The Head of SEND Learning will lead the educational, pastoral and operational performance of SOC Independent School, ensuring that learners are safe, supported and challenged to achieve their potential.
This role brings together school improvement, curriculum leadership, safeguarding, SEND provision and effective management of people and resources. You will establish clear expectations, understand the quality of provision first-hand and ensure that improvement plans lead to measurable changes in learners' experiences and outcomes.
As Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will lead the school's safeguarding arrangements and work closely with staff, families and external agencies to protect children and young people. You will also provide senior leaders and the proprietor with clear assurance on educational performance, statutory compliance and emerging risks.
Success will depend on building a school where staff understand their responsibilities, families trust the provision and learners can access meaningful next steps in education, employment or training.

• Strategic Leadership & School Improvement
  • Set the school's vision and deliver an evidence-led improvement plan aligned with learner needs and SoCAI's priorities
  • Use performance data, quality assurance and stakeholder feedback to drive improvement and report progress, risks and resource needs to senior leaders
  • Lead preparation for Ofsted inspections, local authority monitoring and external reviews
• Quality of Education & Learner Progress
  • Lead an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum with effective teaching, adaptive practice and assessment
  • Oversee quality assurance, assessment moderation and internal verification, meeting relevant awarding-body requirements
  • Monitor learner progress and achievement, ensuring timely interventions and careers guidance that support positive destinations
• Safeguarding & Learner Welfare
  • Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, fulfilling statutory responsibilities and embedding a vigilant, child-centered safeguarding culture
  • Oversee referrals, risk assessments, support plans, secure records and information sharing with relevant agencies
  • Maintain effective arrangements for safer recruitment, staff concerns and allegations, online safety and child-on-child abuse
  • Develop and support Deputy DSLs, ensuring effective training, supervision, cover and escalation arrangements
• SEND, Inclusion & Personal Development
  • Work with the SENCO, families and external professionals to identify needs, coordinate support and ensure EHCP provision is delivered, evidenced and reviewed
  • Embed reasonable adjustments and accessible practice, evaluating interventions and addressing discrimination and barriers to learning
  • Lead personal development and enrichment that strengthen wellbeing, independence and preparation for adulthood
• Behaviour, Attendance & School Culture
  • Create a calm, respectful environment with consistent routines, supportive behaviour management and clear boundaries
  • Improve attendance and engagement through timely interventions with families and agencies, including support for learners at risk of exclusion or becoming missing from education
  • Oversee suspension, exclusion and reintegration procedures, ensuring fair decisions and responding constructively to learner and family concerns
• People Leadership & Development
  • Lead and develop school teams, establishing clear responsibilities and deploying staff effectively to meet educational and safeguarding needs
  • Oversee appraisal, induction, coaching and professional development, addressing underperformance promptly and fairly
  • Work with HR on recruitment and employee relations while supporting staff wellbeing, manageable workloads and leadership development
• Operations, Finance &…