Inclusion Support Lead Officer

Salary details: £ - £

Are you an experienced, values-led education leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? This is an exciting opportunity to take a key leadership role within Derbyshire’s Inclusion Support Advisory Service, working with schools, families and partners to strengthen inclusive practice across South Derbyshire.

As Lead Officer, you will provide confident operational and strategic leadership across education cluster locality areas, supporting mainstream schools to develop their graduated response, increase inclusive capacity and reduce exclusions, part-time timetables and barriers to attendance. You will lead and develop a team of Inclusion Advisory Teachers, ensuring that advice, support and intervention are high quality, responsive to local need and focused on helping all pupils thrive.

This is a role for someone who can combine strong professional expertise with excellent relationship-building skills. You will work collaboratively with schools, education providers, health and care professionals, parents and carers, senior managers and other Lead Officers to promote early intervention, strengthen inclusive systems and ensure children and young people with SEND receive the right support at the right time.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Substantial experience of leading within an education setting.

• Strong skills in managing, supporting and developing colleagues.
• A secure understanding of inclusion, SEND, safeguarding and the graduated approach.
• The ability to use evidence-informed practice to drive improvement and impact.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with schools, families and partner agencies.
• The credibility and confidence to influence practice across a wide range of settings.

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful difference to children and young people by helping schools strengthen inclusive practice.

• Join a committed, supportive and ambitious service with a clear focus on improving outcomes.
• Lead and develop skilled professionals who are passionate about inclusion, SEND and early intervention.
• Work collaboratively with schools, families and partners to shape responsive, evidence-informed support
• Contribute to strategic service development across Derbyshire at an important time for inclusion and education.

In return, you will join a committed and ambitious service where your leadership will make a real difference to children, young people, families and schools. If you are ready to shape inclusive practice, support professional growth and contribute to improved outcomes across Derbyshire, we would welcome your application.

To be considered for shortlisting, applicants must clearly outline their relevant leadership experience within their application.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Sian Mansey at sian.mansey@derbyshire.gov.uk  or on 01629 538131.

Provisional Interview Date: 17 July 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.