Inclusion Leader (SENDCO)

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW.

Cloudside Academy is a very friendly, caring primary school where everyone is valued for their individuality and the talents that they have, while also seeing themselves as part of a supportive team. Every child is given the opportunity to thrive while empowering and encouraging others. We create an inclusive culture where our children respect, understand and encourage difference, valuing what each other have to offer the team.

We have large outside grounds, which include two playgrounds, a large playing field, a wooded area and an allotment. These areas provide the children with space to play; use during PE lessons; allow us to grow our own food and investigate during Science or Geography lessons. We are fortunate to have our own swimming pool where every child swims, each year, as part of the PE curriculum.

We are a large two-form entry junior school, situated in the locality of Sandiacre, on the border of Derby and Nottingham and part of the Erewash Borough of Derbyshire. Cloudside Academy has capacity for 320 pupils, where our curriculum is bespoke to our school context, taking into account the children’s specific needs. All decisions made are based on the known needs of our children and the community. 

As part of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust we are committed to providing the highest quality education, enabling every pupil to reach their full potential.

The school wishes to appoint an Inclusion Leader (SENCO) who has a strong knowledge of teaching and learning but also has a passion for SEND and Inclusion. We are looking for a leader who is committed to improving outcomes for some of our most vulnerable pupils. You will be a member of a high performing Senior Leadership Team who have a proven track record of developing leadership. The post includes opportunities to share their knowledge and skills through the development of teaching and standards across school. We will give the successful applicant the opportunity to further develop and hone the craft of leadership within a highly supportive environment.

The school is looking for the following attributes in their Inclusion Leader (SENCO):

• Someone who will love our children and who will have the tenacity to ensure that our children will receive the best provision and support possible
• The ability to be strategic, flexible and have the capacity to grow the school within its current systems
• Has a sound knowledge of the primary curriculum and how this develops over time
• A highly skilled teacher and able leader who will be committed to our ethos and our values
• An innovative and strategic thinker with the commitment, drive and ability to add value to a committed leadership team
• An excellent communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills and a great sense of humour
• Have a clear understanding of all aspects of inclusion beyond their own classroom and either holds the SEND Award or is committed to working towards it
• Has a good knowledge of current SEND practice and how to promote this across the school
• A dedicated and committed individual who has high expectations of themselves, the staff and the pupils 

As a school we can offer you:

• Full support from a highly successful and experienced leadership team to undertake all aspects of your role at Senior Leadership Level.
• We have a firm belief that leaders develop over time, and you will be developed and nurtured in order to become a strong and competent leader.
• A programme of ongoing CPD from within the school, the trust and beyond.
• The opportunity to develop and enhance your leadership skills in preparation for the next stage of your career
• A hard working and dedicated staff team who would relish the opportunity to be developed by you
• High performing leaders to support your development, and less experienced middle leaders who will welcome your support and guidance.
• A school that believes in putting children first, raising standards and transforming lives
• Amazing children, who behave well, work hard and are active citizens within their community

If you are excited by taking on this challenge, we would love to hear from you. We strongly encourage you to visit our school. Please contact the school to make an appointment. 

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties which are broadly in line with above key responsibilities. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and updated from time to time in line with requirements.

Safeguarding Statement

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other relevant employment checks

Cloudside Academy is part of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust which is a registered charity created in 2011.  The Trust aims, through outstanding leadership, to provide the highest quality education to enable every pupil to realise their full potential.  Further information about the Trust and how to apply can be found here https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Trust/lead

Please click the link below and search Cloudside to view The Candidate Pack. 

https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Vacancy/Search?TrustId=57&Distance=100

Provisional Interview Date: 19 May 2026