Forward Education Trust is an established and developing MAT of 6 special schools. The schools are in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell and cover the widest spectrum of Special Educational Needs students and work across all age ranges. It has a talented and committed staff group who strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to care for and educate the children. 

The Trust believes that its staff and leaders are its most important asset and that valuing them and utilising their many talents will deliver the best experiences for pupils. You will join supportive and well-established collaborative networks, where colleagues support each other and we learn from each other. The Trust will have a real interest in your future and will be keen to explore ways that you can develop personally and professionally. 

With the publication of the Schools White Paper and anticipated SEND reform, this new role takes on an even greater strategic importance. We want to capitalise on opportunities, anticipate and capture benefits to this Trust and our people, as well as supporting outreach to schools and be welcoming to those who want to join a successful Trust. 

We would be interested in talking to candidates who would like to be employed full-time or part-time with this Trust.  We are also open to collaborative working with other schools/Trusts, which might involve a developmental secondment, in conjunction with a retained role with another school/Trust. 

About the Role 

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND?  Do you enjoy supporting others, modelling high quality practice, and driving strategic improvement?  Are you ready for a role that makes a difference across multiple schools? 

As our Trust wide SEND & Inclusion Lead, you will: 

• Lead the strategic development of SEND and inclusion across all Forward Education Trust schools 

• Work closely with the Director of Education, senior leaders and specialists to ensure a coherent, ambitious and high-quality offer 

• Provide hands-on coaching, modelling and support to build staff skill and confidence, including those new to teaching 

• Strengthen inclusive teaching, curriculum access, and relational approaches to behaviour 

• Oversee Trust approaches to Pupil Premium, EAL, inclusion assurance, and Ofsted readiness 

• Coordinate specialist services such as SALT and OT, ensuring provision is effective and impactful 

• Build strong relationships with families, agencies and external partners 

This is an influential and varied role, ideal for someone who wants to shape practice across a family of specialist schools and ensure that every pupil thrives. 

All applications:  All Applicants are expected to know what to do if they have concerns about a child, take on the responsibility for providing a safe environment and promoting children’s welfare, undertake regular safeguarding and child protection training and,

Who We’re Looking For 

We are seeking an experienced leader who: 

• Has significant SEND and inclusion leadership experience 

• Demonstrates expertise in SEND legislation, EHCP processes and evidence informed practice 

• Are an excellent coach and communicator 

• Can build strong, credible relationships across multiple schools 

• Is committed to high expectations, ambitious outcomes, and removing barriers to learning 

• Thrives in a dynamic role with both strategic and hands-on responsibilities

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit one or more of our schools.  We encourage anyone interested in this role to arrange an informal conversation with Simon Dilkes, CEO, and/or Leanne Mahony, Director of Education. We would be delighted to share more about our vision, our pupils and this exciting opportunity. We would be interested to discuss with you how your experience, skills, aspirations and professional objectives could make you the one who is going to make a difference to the lives of young people in this Trust. 

Contact Bally Supra, Senior Trust Administrator, to arrange a confidential, informal discussion with Trust leaders or to arrange a visit to a school. 

Bally Supra: 

T: 0121 809 1510 

E: b.supra@fet.ac 

Why Join Forward Education Trust? 

At Forward Education Trust, we are committed to creating a culture where colleagues feel supported, valued and able to make a difference every day. 

As part of our central team, you will: 

• Work with skilled, passionate leaders across a growing family of special schools 

• Influence Trust wide policy, practice and strategic direction 

• Receive ongoing leadership development and coaching 

• Shape the quality of inclusive education across multiple unique contexts 

• Contribute to system leadership beyond the Trust 

• Join an organisation that values innovation, integrity, inclusivity and continuous improvement 

Competitive Benefits:   

·       Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes: 

·       Teacher Pension or Support Staff Local Government Pension – Employer Contribution  

·       FET HUB – information all in one place, access to a range of benefits  

·       Paid for Health Cash Plan – employee and dependent children benefit – option to add partner  

·       Employee Questionnaire – Consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas  

·       Comprehensive induction and probation support and an ongoing performance management & appraisal system  

·       Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme – free, totally confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations  

·       Personal & professional learning & development – including FLICK online learning and other resources  

·       Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks  

·       Occupational Health Service – accessible to support the needs of individual staff  

·       Staff recognition – e-cards to celebrate success among colleagues  

·       Mental Health First Aiders  

Policies are developed and reviewed to support positive health & well-being: Family Friendly Working, Special Leave of Absence, Flexible Working, Menopause  

Our well-being support focuses on managing accountability, workload, and emotional intelligence through professional supervision, peer mentoring, and a supportive organisational culture  

Staff recognition – awards throughout the year, in line with Trust behaviours and values  

Closing Date: Tuesday 14^th April at 08:00am 

Shortlisting: Thursday 16^th April 2026 
Interviews (reserved dates): 21^st and 22nd April 2026 

Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust applications via our Applicant Portal will be accepted. CVs will not be considered. 

The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date.  Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.   

If you do not hear from the Trust within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. The successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks.   

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.   This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.   

An online search will also be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification; qualifications, medical fitness; identity and right to work and two references.