Aston Community Education Trust are a forward thinking and ambitious multi-academy trust, comprising of three secondary and nine primary academies across the Rotherham, Sheffield and North Derbyshire areas.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious and experienced SEND Inclusion Base Lead, to work as part of our SEND Leadership Team, to develop and grow our SEND Base provision which will serve students in key stage 4 from our three secondary academy settings consisting of Shirebrook, Aston and Swinton academy. 

The Base will provide 20 places from September with the opportunity to expand over time. This is an exciting and unique opportunity, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the development of the provision while working closely with RMBC who will be co-producing the provision with ACET Inclusion leaders. 

The purpose of this is role is to provide bespoke curriculum provision and support for pupils who require an alternative learning environment and curriculum pathway. We are looking for an experienced leader and teacher who has the passion and expertise in supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, particularly Social, Emotional and Mental Health and Cognition and Learning. 

The SEND Inclusion Base Lead will manage and lead a team consisting of teachers, an Alternative Pathway Manager, an Alternative Pathway Co-Ordinator, a Learning Counsellor/ Learning Mentor and support staff in the SEND Inclusion Base area of the academy. The SEND Inclusion Base Lead will be expected to drive the provision whilst supporting all staff to ensure the highest quality offer and delivery. 

The SEND Inclusion Base Lead would have responsibility for the organisational management of the Base, such as admissions, consultations, liaison with the Local Authority, regular communication with Host Academies and professionals, to support the statutory annual review cycle.  As a member of the SEND Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be invited to join leadership meetings to ensure it becomes integral to the provision of the whole academy.  They will be expected to model a commitment to the wider development of the academy and to be a role model in their professional attitude and conduct. 

This is a new role and is a key appointment in developing aspirational and innovative provision for SEND learners from across our Trust. The role is based at Aston Academy and will involve working collaboratively with other academies across the trust.  If you are looking for an exciting new role and believe all challenges can be overcome, then you are warmly encouraged to pursue an application with us. We would also welcome you if you would like to visit us. If you have any questions or wish to visit, then please contact – Katy.wright@astoncetrust.org

Key Responsibilities and Duties 

Leadership and Teaching 

• Support and co-ordinate a team within the SEND Inclusion Base, guiding staff to deliver high-quality SEND support. 
• Efficiently manage the day-to-day operation of the SEND Inclusion Base, including pupil care and staff coordination.
• Lead targeted activities, interventions, and learning opportunities for groups and individual pupils within the SEND Inclusion Base based on the assess, plan do review model. 
• Collaborate closely with the SENDCo and class teachers to support effective delivery of support and delivery of quality first teaching. 
• Work with the Alternative Pathway Co-ordinator to assist class teachers in delivering an adapted, engaging, and effective curriculum tailored to pupils’ needs. 
• Support teachers to design and create engaging, differentiated resources and activities to enhance learning outcomes. 
• Liaise with other professionals, including attending meetings within the academy and with outside agencies, as appropriate. 
• Play an active role in safeguarding children and adhere to the academy policies.
• Have strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, manage competing demands, and maintain accurate records.
• Liaise with Host academy leaders, school staff, including the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and other professionals as appropriate to ensure the effective operation of the service. 
• Attend meetings and briefings as required and to provide an evidenced based graduated response.
• Promote a caring and supportive environment where concerns can be explored, thereby promoting mental and emotional health. 
• Liaise with relevant staff within the academy, making them aware of problems experienced by students and to make recommendations as to how these may be managed/resolved, as appropriate. 

Assessment and Monitoring 

• Promote the highest academic expectations for all students.
• Work with teachers and utilise the school’s established assessment systems to monitor pupil progress rigorously.
• Maintain detailed observation records and provide timely, constructive feedback to SEND leaders and the host academies. 
• Support the implementation and review of targeted SEND plans, working in partnership with Alternative Provision manager and Co-ordinator, external professionals and families to provide holistic support.

Unit Management and Pastoral Care 

• Support the safe, calm, and smooth running of the SEND Inclusion Base, ensuring it remains a positive and inclusive space. 
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of SEND needs, including strategies for adaptation, co-regulation, and personalised learning. 
• Foster a classroom culture that encourages self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and positive peer relationships.
• Manage the day-to-day care and support for pupils, including co-regulation strategies, medical needs, and personal care, with empathy and professionalism.

Professional Collaboration and Development 

• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and a positive outlook to foster trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues. 
• Participate actively in relevant professional development opportunities to enhance personal knowledge and skills.
• Work collaboratively with academy staff to share best practice and contribute to whole school SEND provision. 
• Model high levels of professionalism, empathy, and positivity in all interactions with pupils, colleagues, families, and external agencies. 

Professional Development 

Aston Community Education Trust is committed to the continuous professional growth of its staff. The SEND Inclusion Base Lead will have access to: 

• Ongoing training tailored to SEND best practises and specialist interventions.
• Opportunities to engage in collaborative learning with colleagues across the school and trust networks.
• Support for accredited professional qualifications and development.