SEN Department Lead
Orchard Academy, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 3HW4 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
26 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
22 May 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- 32,916.00 - 45,352.00
SEN Department Lead job summary
Your career #EMATters! East Midlands Academy Trust is seeking an inspirational and skilled SEN Department Lead and Teacher to lead high-quality provision for learners with additional needs while continuing to deliver outstanding teaching.
This is a key role within the school, combining strategic leadership with classroom practice. You will lead the development of SEND provision, drive high expectations, and ensure excellent outcomes for pupils with a range of additional needs.
We are looking for a leader who can inspire staff, improve practice, and ensure inclusive, high-quality teaching across the department, while working closely with senior leaders, families, and external agencies.
At EMAT, we value inclusion, ambition, and impact. We are proud of our diverse workforce and are committed to ensuring every child receives the support and challenge they need to thrive.
About EMAT
EMAT is an exciting, innovative, and growing organisation where we strive to do things differently, aligned with our core purpose: that every child deserves to be the best they can be.
Our Trust includes schools across Northampton, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, and Leicestershire. We are committed to collaboration, high standards, and continuous improvement across all settings.
By joining EMAT, you will benefit from:
- Continuous professional development and leadership training
- Career progression opportunities across our growing Trust
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Eye care plan and flu jabs
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Health and wellbeing support (including online GP access)
- Lifestyle savings platform
- Generous family leave
About the Role
The SEN Department Lead and Teacher will lead and deliver high-quality SEND provision while maintaining a strong teaching commitment within the classroom.
You will play a key role in shaping provision, improving outcomes, and ensuring consistently high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with additional needs.
You will play a key role in:
- Leading and developing SEND provision across the department
- Delivering outstanding teaching to pupils with additional needs
- Improving outcomes for pupils with SEND and additional vulnerabilities
- Supporting and developing staff through coaching and modelling
- Monitoring progress and using data to inform intervention and support
- Ensuring high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning across the department
- Working closely with senior leaders on school improvement priorities
- Supporting EHCP processes, reviews, and multi-agency working
- Strengthening parental engagement and communication
- Contributing to whole-school inclusion, safeguarding, and behaviour systems
About You
We are looking for a passionate and skilled teacher and leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children with additional needs.
You will have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Strong classroom teaching experience
- Experience working with SEND learners
- Strong understanding of inclusive teaching strategies
- Ability to lead, support, and develop staff
- Good understanding of assessment and progress tracking
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and high expectations
Desirable:
- SENCO qualification (NASENCO)
- Experience in a SEND leadership role or responsibility
- Experience working within specialist provision or inclusion settings
Why Join EMAT?
At EMAT, you will be part of a Trust committed to inclusion, ambition, and excellence. As SEN Department Lead and Teacher, you will have the opportunity to shape provision, lead a team, and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families.
For more information or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Hannah Fajemiyo, HR Business Partner, at hannah.fajemiyo@central.emat.uk.
A Note for Recruitment Agencies
We have an internal recruitment team and advertise directly to attract candidates. Any speculative CVs will not be accepted.
EMAT reserves the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed.
EMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
EMAT encourages a “Speak Up” culture where concerns can be raised safely and without fear of blame or recrimination.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Orchard Academy
- School type
- Academies, None, ages 7 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 333 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 7 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Orchard Academy website
Orchard Academy, situated in Springfield Milton Keynes, is at the heart of the community. A large KS2 primary with a 3 form entry,
Orchard is a founding member of the East Midlands Academy Trust and shares leadership, teaching and administration with our neighbour, Shepherdswell Academy, who are also part of EMAT, allowing us to offer the pupils a continuing broad and balanced curriculum at both key stages 1 and 2.
Through the Orchard creed we encourage the boys and girls to celebrate diversity and respect others regardless of ability, gender, ethnicity or religion. We aim to sustain a happy, caring, supportive and positive learning community where each child can develop and extend their potential and achieve success.
School location
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