Senior Inclusion Lead

Senior Inclusion Lead

Location: Taunton, Somerset
Contract: Initial 3 months
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £70 per hour (Umbrella) (£52 PAYE an hour)

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Inclusion Lead to drive inclusive education strategies and ensure young people at risk of exclusion, disengagement, or becoming NEET receive the right support at the right time.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong leadership, excellent partnership working, and a deep understanding of KS4 and Post-16 pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Early Identification of NEET Risk: Use data and professional insight to identify learners at risk of disengagement or exclusion and implement targeted support strategies.
  
  
• NEET Risk Tracking: Maintain and monitor a live register of at-risk students, using attendance, attainment, and wellbeing data to shape timely interventions.
  
  
• Provision Coordination: Identify and commission appropriate alternative provision or post-16 pathways, ensuring quality assurance and alignment with learner needs.
  
  
• Transition Support: Provide hands-on guidance during transitions from KS4 to Post-16, including applications, interviews, and careers advice access.
  
  
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Participate in Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings, PEP reviews, and safeguarding discussions to ensure education remains central to planning.
  
  
• Engagement & Attendance: Work with schools, colleges, and providers to improve attendance and re-engagement, including outreach and home visits.
  
  
• Staff Support & Guidance: Coach and advise school staff on inclusive practices, behaviour support, and trauma-informed approaches.
  
  
• Youth Voice & Empowerment: Ensure young people are active participants in shaping their educational journeys, promoting self-confidence and advocacy.
  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Strong operational knowledge of KS4 and Post-16 education and NEET prevention
  
  
• Proven team leadership and staff development experience
  
  
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
  
  
• Deep commitment to inclusive practice and learner-centred approaches
  
  

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to influence inclusive education practice across Somerset, ensuring every young person can access meaningful education, training, and employment pathways.