Head of SEND Support – Nacro, Southampton

Lead Inclusion. Shape Futures. Change Lives.

Head of SEND Support

Salary: £49,408 per annum

Contract: Permanent – Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week

             Monday to Thursday (08.30 to 4.30)

             Friday (08.30 to 4.00)

Location: Southampton

DBS: Enhanced with Children’s Barred List Check.

This role does not offer eligibility for visa sponsorship.

At Nacro, we believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side and opportunity to build a positive future.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

Totton College is growing and so is our ambition for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

We are looking for an exceptional SEND leader to shape the future of inclusion at Totton College.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategy; shape inclusive practice and ensure students receive the support they need to thrive, achieve ambitious outcomes and successful futures.

As a key member of the college leadership team, you will champion inclusion, lead talented teams and make a lasting difference to the lives of students.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic and values-driven leader who combines professional expertise with a genuine passion for improving outcomes for students.

You will be someone who sees potential in every student and can translate that belief into high-quality provision, strong partnerships and meaningful impact. You'll be confident leading change, developing others and driving continuous improvement while maintaining a relentless focus on inclusion and student success.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience of leading SEND provision within further education, education or a comparable setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, Education Health and Care Plan processes, Equality Act requirements and High Needs funding.
• A proven track record of improving SEND provision, student outcomes and the quality of support services.
• Experience of leading and developing specialist teams, managers and multidisciplinary professionals.

Most importantly, you will share Nacro's belief that education changes lives and creates opportunities for the future.

What impact will you have?

Lead the vision for SEND

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND provision, creating a clear vision for inclusion, high aspirations and student success.
• Lead continuous improvement through self-assessment, quality improvement planning, performance monitoring and effective use of data.
• Champion inclusive and adaptive approaches that remove barriers to participation, progress and achievement.

Ensure quality, compliance and impact

• Lead robust systems that identify, assess and respond effectively to students' SEND needs.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act and Education Health and Care Plan processes.
• Provide strategic oversight of Education Health and Care Plans, annual reviews, support plans, student profiles and specialist interventions.

Build partnerships and amplify student voice

• Develop strong relationships with Local Authorities, parents and carers, schools, employers, health professionals and external agencies.
• Ensure students with SEND have a meaningful voice in shaping and improving services.
• Work closely with curriculum, student experience, safeguarding and support teams to create a consistent, inclusive experience for every student.  

Develop people and culture

• Lead and performance-manage managers responsible for SEND support, therapies and administration.
• Set clear expectations while creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning, professional development and workforce capability.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to join Nacro and Totton College at an exciting stage of its development.

As Head of SEND Support, you'll have the opportunity to shape provision, influence strategy and help create an environment where every student is supported to achieve ambitious outcomes and successful futures.

You'll work alongside passionate colleagues who believe in the power of education to transform lives and remove barriers to opportunity. Your leadership will help ensure that as the college grows, so too does the quality, inclusivity and impact of the support we provide.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine strategic leadership with genuine social impact, we would love to hear from you.

At Nacro, we don't simply ask what someone has been through. We ask what is possible next.

Click here to view the Role Profile

Click here to view the Candidate pack

Nacro is a fair and inclusive employer

At Nacro, we believe in the power of a diverse and inclusive team. We are a Ban the Box employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with criminal records. Convictions are not discussed at application stage and will only be considered later if relevant to the role, assessed fairly, proportionately and confidentially. For advice, contact our confidential Criminal Record Support Service on 0300 123 1999 or helpline@nacro.org.uk.