Special Educational Needs (SEN) Lead

About the job

Key information

Join Young Somerset and help shape inclusive practice across our services.

Young Somerset is committed to ensuring every child and young person can access high-quality support, regardless of their individual needs. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Special Educational Needs (SEN) Lead to champion inclusive practice across our organisation.

• Salary: £40,000
• Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) or part-time considered
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Hybrid working across Somerset, with travel to Young Somerset offices, community settings and partner venues as required. This is not a school-based role.

What will I be doing?

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified SEN professional looking to apply their expertise beyond the school environment. Rather than working as a school SENCO or managing statutory school processes, you will provide strategic advice, guidance and training to colleagues across Young Somerset, helping to embed inclusive practice within our services.

The role does not involve responsibility for coordinating school SEND provision, writing or managing EHCPs, completing statutory assessments or undertaking school-based SENCO duties.

Instead, you will:

• Provide specialist advice and consultation to practitioners and managers.
• Support staff to adapt activities, environments and interventions to meet a wide range of needs.
• Deliver engaging training and build confidence in inclusive practice across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality, evidence-informed services.
• Build strong relationships with schools, local authority colleagues and other partners to ensure joined-up support for children and young people.
• Keep Young Somerset informed of developments in SEND legislation, guidance and best practice.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• A recognised SEN qualification.
• Significant experience supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Excellent knowledge of current SEND legislation, guidance and best practice.
• Experience of delivering training, coaching or developing the skills of others.
• Strong communication and partnership working skills.
• The ability to influence, coach and support practitioners to deliver inclusive services.

What is in it for me?

• Young Somerset Terms and Conditions of Employment.
• Full-year permanent contract.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing Programme.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• The opportunity to influence inclusive practice and make a lasting difference to children, young people and families across Somerset

DBS check

Young Somerset is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Supporting documents and information

Closing date: 23th September 2026

Interested?

Please read the SEN Lead Job Description

To apply, complete the YS Application Form and YS Disability Questionnaire and email to people@youngsomerset.org.uk.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

To discover more about working for Young Somerset, click here

Apply on the Young Somerset website

Apply now