Trust Inclusion Lead

At Avanti Schools Trust, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do – and we are looking for a skilled, compassionate leader to help us live that commitment every day. As our Trust-wide Inclusion Lead, you will develop and implement a cohesive strategy that ensures exceptional provision for SEND, disadvantaged pupils, and those facing additional challenges.

Your expertise will help shape strategies and inspire colleagues to achieve the very best for all pupils, whatever their starting point.

Help steer the direction of inclusion across Avanti and make a measurable difference to children’s lives.

Please note this role is 0.8 FTE (30 hours per week) with the potential to increase to 1 FTE.

Interviews

Interviews will take place on Friday 3rd October.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the Talent team to arrange a suitable time.

What will you do?

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the Trust-wide vision for inclusion, covering SEND, disadvantaged pupils, attendance, behaviour, medical needs, suspensions and exclusions.
• Develop and deliver inclusion strategies, including the Pupil Premium Strategy, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities and statutory duties.
• Inspire and empower leaders and staff to achieve ambitious outcomes for all learners.

 School Support & Improvement

• Support schools in creating and implementing local inclusion plans and targeted interventions for vulnerable pupils.
• Provide coaching and training for SENDCos and staff to strengthen inclusive practice and positive behaviour approaches.
• Advise on strategies to improve attendance and reduce suspensions or exclusions, ensuring reintegration plans are effective.

 Quality, Assurance & External Engagement

• Analyse data and evaluate practice to drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning and pupil outcomes for all groups.
• Report on progress to senior leaders, the Trust Board and relevant committees, highlighting risks and successes.
• Build strong relationships with parents, communities, local authorities and networks, representing the Trust and influencing best practice.

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Significant experience of leading inclusion in a multi-school or Trust-wide capacity
• Experience in setting school-level targets and plans relating to inclusion
• Ability to work on own initiative, making sound decisions quickly and efficiently and in line with the Trust’s values; upholding the values and ethos of the Avanti Way
• Ability to lead through times of change, with an understanding of effective change management with a people-focused mindset

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role..

Further information

Pre-employment checks

Pre-employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.