Lead Specialist Teacher - South East

Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This permanent role is a lead teacher position appointed on the Teachers Terms and Conditions. The salary range is Upper Pay Scale + TLR 1 (bottom of the range) + 1 SEN allowance (minimum) per annum (levels dependent on relevant additional qualifications and experience). We have a great opportunity to join our Specialist Teachers for Inclusive Practice (STIP) service as a full time (5days er week) centrally employed Lead Specialist Teacher in the South East area of Surrey. This role is a mix of school-based working alongside team and strategic leadership responsibilities – it is an exciting time for our teams with the defined Experts at Hand offer as part of the SEND reforms. We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person regularly in teams and we support working from schools, home or remotely. You will need to hold a driving licence and the use of a car for business purposes. Our Offer to You Teachers Terms and conditions, term time working Teachers' Pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About The Role This role is a key part of the Countywide STIP service to support the delivery of the Additional Needs and Disabilities strategy, Lifelong Learning Strategy with a focus on our Inclusion ambitions and priorities. This role combines service delivery, service development, partnership working and team management. Working across Key Stages 1 – 4 as part of a team, no two days will be the same. This role is to lead and manage the SE team, work with the STIP Service Manager and other Area Leads to deliver a high-quality teaching service to our young people and schools. The role supports schools in the current Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Mole Valley boroughs. As an Area Lead you will use your knowledge, skills and leadership experience to manage the team and support local schools to promote inclusion of pupils with additional needs. Working collaboratively with schools and associated partners will be an important part of this role. You will be promoting and implementing effective liaison with a range of professionals and services in supporting children at school. Additionally, you will have some direct work with schools and pupils. Working as part of the STIP Leadership Team will provide the opportunity to determine and develop the strategic direction for the service. As part of a countywide service, you will attend meetings across Surrey and will work alongside other team managers as part of a wider leadership network in the Education and Lifelong Learning team. You will manage a team of teachers and assistants in the southeast area of Surrey. You will be responsible for the continuing professional development of teachers and assistants in the team. Development of the STIP service and offer will be ongoing. Working with colleagues in Early Intervention and Prevention Services as part of a wider leadership team on the directorate priorities, particularly those relating to priorities 2 and 3. Other key areas of work will be delivery of the new Experts at Hand offer and leading the SE team through Local Government Reform post Vesting day. Our guiding mission is ‘No one left behind’ and you will be able to make a meaningful difference in all that you do as an Area Lead, whether that be working on the strategic development of the service, leadership and management of the SE team or in your individual work with pupils and schools. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours : Your current or recent experience of working in a UK based mainstream school Your current or prior experience in identifying and teaching pupils with additional needs Your understanding of current educational issues and how the inclusion of pupils with additional needs is a central importance to your practice Your understanding of how the language and learning difficulties and behaviours of concern that might impact upon a pupil's ability to make progress in their learning Examples of how you have facilitated developments within a curriculum area to improve learning opportunities for pupils linked to the Code of Practice The ways in which you promote active and purposeful links with parents and carers Your current or prior school leadership & staff development experience and how you have supported the professional development of other teachers or teaching assistants Your current or prior experience of working with partners in education Your understanding of recent proposals to SEND and education reforms and how your experience will help lead this development. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and your personal statement taking into consideration the shortlisting criteria referenced above. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16th November with interviews planned before 4th December. This role is subject to an online / social media check as part of our safer recruitment processes, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. You will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Julie Beckett on 07968 834123 or by email at julie.beckett@surreycc.gov.uk . Local Government Reorganisation Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council . Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.