Inclusion Lead

Contract - Permanent - 37 hours per week

Salary: Grade 9, ranging from £41,771 to £46,142 per annum

Closing: 28th September 2026

About the Role

Are you passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in education, regardless of their additional needs or the barriers they face?

The Virtual School in Somerset is committed to ensuring all Somerset Children and Young People with acute needs and additional vulnerability enjoy education and achieve good outcomes that prepares them well for adulthood. We are not a virtual or online school.

Somerset Council is seeking dedicated and experienced Inclusion Lead in our Transitions and Flexible Education Phase, Key Stage 2 and 3, to help shape and deliver a more inclusive education system across our localities. This is a rewarding opportunity to influence outcomes for children and young people at risk of disengaging from education, particularly during key transition points, and to champion inclusive practice across schools, settings and services.

As an Inclusion Lead, you will be a recognised source of SEND expertise within your locality, working collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals and wider partners to ensure no child is left behind

How You'll Make a Difference 

• Work with education settings, families and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people. This role focus on Key Stage 2 and 3 and ensuring Section 19 duties are met for children and young people who are not able to attend school.
• Support children and young people who are at risk of falling behind in their education.
• Drive inclusive approaches that maximise opportunities for children to remain successfully engaged in mainstream education wherever appropriate.
• Coordinate multi-agency support and challenge barriers to progress.
• Work alongside families, schools and professionals to secure positive educational outcomes.
• Lead planning and support for key educational transition points.
• Share evidence-based strategies and promote consistent practice across the education system.
• Monitor risks, actions and outcomes, ensuring effective intervention where concerns arise.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes for children and young people.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and values, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings, training and relevant administrative activity as required.
• Act as the recognised lead for a specialist area of work, building partnerships and promoting innovative solutions that improve inclusion and educational progress.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for motivated professionals with the following:

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• A degree qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on experience working with children and young people with SEND and a solid understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.  
• Expertise in identifying and addressing a range of complex needs of children and young people, ideally within Key Stage 2 and 3
• Experience working within educational settings.
• Experience of multi-agency working to improve outcomes for children.
• Experience supporting children, young people and families through complex or emotive situations.
• Knowledge of barriers to learning and strategies that promote inclusion and achievement.
• Understanding of child development, trauma and the impact of disabilities on learning.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to influence, challenge and support a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach to overcoming barriers.

Desirable

• Knowledge of SEND legislation, guidance and inspection frameworks.
• Understanding of Somerset's local models of practice.
• Teaching qualification / National SENCO Award.
• Child protection and safeguarding certification.
• Experience using data systems to monitor progress, risks and outcomes.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.  

Why Join Us?:

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave of 30 days per year, plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Anything else I should know?

• Interviews are due to take place 14th October 2026
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship
• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Fiona Turnbull, Head of Virtual School - fiona.turnbull@somerset.gov.uk 

Sarah Stabback, Senior Expert Advisor - sarah.stabback@somerset.gov.uk 

You can find a copy of the job description here: Education - Inclusion Lead (Various Specialisms) - Job Description - RP048 - 1285AB.pdf 

*If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.*