Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date for applications: 4th September 2026
Salary: £52,761 – £57,306 + 3 Spas up to £61,679
This strategic leadership opportunity is for an experienced and passionate SEND professional to play a key role in shaping inclusive practice across a defined locality. The postholder will lead the development and coordination of high‑quality support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring schools have timely access to expertise, resources and services that enable inclusive education.
Working collaboratively across education, health and wider partner agencies, the role will champion the implementation of Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice (OAIP) and contribute to the delivery of the Local Authority’s SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) priorities. The postholder will coordinate the Experts at Hand model, acting as the central point of contact for schools seeking advice and support, while ensuring services are accessible, responsive and aligned to local need.
The position requires strong partnership working with schools, specialist services, health professionals, early years providers and families to develop coordinated approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This includes maintaining an up‑to‑date directory of local services, facilitating collaborative networks and ensuring schools can navigate available support effectively.
A significant aspect of the role is building capacity within educational settings through the delivery of high‑quality training, coaching and practical in‑school support. The postholder will model inclusive strategies, promote evidence‑informed practice, support the professional development of SENCOs and contribute to quality assurance processes that strengthen SEND provision across the locality.
The successful candidate will also contribute to the strategic development and implementation of the Experts at Hand programme, supporting the rollout of system‑wide initiatives such as inclusion data dashboards, referral pathways and Luton’s Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice Guidance. They will play an active role in driving the wider SEND transformation programme and embedding sustainable improvements across the education system.
Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals, the postholder will champion co‑production and facilitate opportunities for collaboration, learning and the sharing of effective inclusive practice.
The role will also lead on monitoring and evaluating the impact of services, using data and evidence to inform continuous improvement, shape future service development and demonstrate positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND across the locality.
About You
You will be an experienced and knowledgeable SEND professional with a strong track record of leading inclusive practice and improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. With significant experience of working across education and multi‑agency partnerships, you will understand how to navigate complex systems, build effective relationships and deliver meaningful change that supports schools, families and children.
You will bring experience of strategic leadership or service coordination, alongside the ability to work collaboratively with schools, health services, early years providers and other partners to develop effective, evidence‑informed solutions. You will be confident in influencing senior leaders and education professionals, promoting inclusive practice and championing high expectations for all children and young people.
An accomplished communicator and facilitator, you will have experience of designing and delivering high‑quality training, coaching and mentoring professionals and building the confidence and capability of school staff, particularly SENCOs. You will be comfortable providing practical, solution‑focused support within school settings, modelling inclusive approaches and helping educational settings implement sustainable improvements.
You will have a comprehensive understanding of SEND legislation, statutory guidance, the SEND transformation agenda and evidence‑based approaches that promote inclusion, early intervention and positive outcomes. Your knowledge will enable you to advise schools confidently on effective practice, entitlement to learning and the implementation of Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice.
Using data, evaluation and feedback you will monitor the impact of services, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to the ongoing development of high‑quality provision across the locality. You will be committed to co‑production, valuing the voices of children, young people and families in shaping services and improving outcomes.
The successful candidate will be a qualified teacher educated to degree level (or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience) with a strong commitment to continuing professional development and will be able to travel across the borough.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
Benefits
- 25 to 32 days annual leave (linked to length of service and grade)
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional leave
- Career pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: generous employer contributions of up to 19.2% (at April 2026) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible; requests for part‑time hours and alternative working patterns are welcomed
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym, fitness, restaurants, salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
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