Strategic Lead for Inclusion and SEND

Leadership Scale L16–L20 | Trust-wide | Robin Hood MAT

Drive the next phase of inclusive excellence at Robin Hood MAT

Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust is entering an important phase in its development. As national expectations around SEND and inclusion continue to evolve, we are determined not simply to respond, but to strengthen and refine our Trust-wide approach so that every child receives the provision they need to thrive.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Strategic Lead for Inclusion and SEND who will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of inclusive practice across our Trust.

This is a high-profile, Trust-wide leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Trust Senior Leadership Team.

About Robin Hood MAT

At Robin Hood MAT, we are deeply committed to the education and welfare of children. Guided by a strong moral purpose, we work collaboratively across our schools to strengthen practice, build leadership capacity and improve outcomes for all.

We believe that when leaders work together with clarity, trust and ambition, meaningful and sustained improvement can be achieved for children and communities.

The Opportunity

This role comes at a significant national moment, as the Government’s SEND reform agenda places increasing expectations on Trusts to deliver consistently high-quality and inclusive provision.

Robin Hood MAT has begun to develop its Trust-wide approach to SEND and inclusion, including the early implementation of Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) across a number of schools. We are now seeking the right strategic leader to help us refine, strengthen and scale this work over the next phase of the Trust’s development.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust SEND and Inclusion Strategy

• Drive consistency, quality and impact across our Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP), supporting the continued development of school-based specialist provision often referred to nationally as Inclusion Bases

• Provide rigorous SEND system evaluation across our schools

• Strengthen the impact of our SENCO network and support the development of expertise across schools

• Work alongside headteachers through a model of co-construction and professional challenge

• Provide clear strategic insight to the CEO and Trustees

• Work alongside Trust teaching and learning leaders to ensure that curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment are inclusive by design and enable pupils with SEND to access high-quality learning.

Robin Hood MAT has strong foundations in place and a clear moral commitment to inclusive education. We are now seeking a leader who can help us move to the next phase of development  - strengthening inclusive practice across classrooms, building expertise within our SENCO network and ensuring that pupils with SEND receive consistently high-quality provision across the Trust.

This is a role for a leader who combines moral purpose, strategic clarity and the professional presence required to influence senior leaders across a Trust.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a leader who:

• Has significant experience of leading SEND and inclusion

• Has a strong track record of improving outcomes for children with SEND

• Understands how to build coherent systems across multiple schools or settings

• Brings high emotional intelligence alongside analytical rigour

• Is able to work collaboratively while providing appropriate professional challenge

• Shares our belief that, together, we are stronger

We welcome applications from experienced Trust leaders and from exceptional school-based SEND leaders ready to step into a Trust-wide strategic role.

What we offer

• A pivotal strategic role in a values-driven and collaborative Trust

• The opportunity to shape the next phase of SEND and inclusion across Robin Hood MAT

• Direct influence at Trust Senior Leadership Team level

• A Trust culture that balances professional trust with high ambition for children

• Opportunities for further leadership growth as the Trust continues to develop

Key Information

Post: Strategic Lead for Inclusion and SEND

Salary: Leadership Scale L16–L20

Contract: Full time, permanent

Location: Trust-wide across Birmingham and Solihull (hybrid working supported)

Start date: 1st September 2026

How to apply

For more information about the role, we strongly encourage prospective candidates to contact Steve Taylor, CEO, via the MAT PA to arrange an informal and confidential conversation.

Application details and pack available via MyNewTerm

Robin Hood MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks.