Group SEND & Inclusion Lead

National / Field-Based | 37.5 hours | Permanent

Salary £55,000 per annum plus £6,000 car allowance

At Partou, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life—and that means creating environments where every child can thrive.

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate SEND & Inclusion Lead to take ownership of our group-wide strategy and help shape inclusive, high-quality early years provision across our growing UK network.

This is a rare opportunity to influence practice at scale—supporting thousands of children and empowering teams to deliver outstanding inclusive education every day.

Why Join Partou?

As a leading global childcare provider, Partou supports over 75,000 children across 1,000+ locations worldwide, backed by world-class expertise and research.

With significant investment in our central support functions, we’re building something special— Our SEND & Inclusion Lead is central to that journey.

• Real impact: Shape inclusion across a large, diverse nursery group
• Career growth: Work alongside senior leaders and influence strategy
• Supportive culture: A values-driven organisation that puts children first
• Future-focused: Be part of ambitious expansion and continuous improvement

The Role

As our SEND & Inclusion Lead, you’ll drive a bold, joined-up approach to inclusion—ensuring that children with additional needs, those facing disadvantage, and those requiring extra support all achieve their full potential.

You’ll work nationally with leaders, SENCOs and central teams to raise standards, strengthen practice and deliver measurable outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and implement a group-wide SEND & inclusion strategy
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks while raising ambition across all settings
• Act as the organisation’s expert voice on SEND and inclusion

Quality & Impact

• Monitor standards, analyse data and drive improvement across settings
• Champion evidence-based use of SEND funding and EYPP
• Ensure strong systems for identifying, assessing and supporting children

Coaching & Development

• Support and develop SENCOs and setting leaders through coaching and CPD
• Build capability in areas such as trauma-informed practice and emotional regulation
• Share best practice and lead a thriving SENCO network

Collaboration & Influence

• Partner with Local Authorities, external agencies and families
• Build strong relationships that support child-centred outcomes
• Represent Partou at sector events and professional networks

What Success Looks Like

• A clearly embedded, high-impact SEND strategy across all settings
• Confident leaders delivering ambitious, inclusive provision
• Improved outcomes for children facing barriers to learning or wellbeing
• Strong partnerships with families and external stakeholders
• Consistent, high-quality SEND practice across our nurseries nationwide

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• SENCO qualification (or equivalent)
• Early Years qualification
• Senior leadership experience with SEND responsibility
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, EYFS and inspection frameworks
• Proven ability to drive improvement through data and coaching
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Desirable

• Degree-level qualification
• Experience leading SEND at a multi-site or service level
• Experience designing and delivering CPD programmes

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Partou, inclusion isn’t just part of the job—it’s who we are.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating environments where children, families and team members feel valued, respected and supported to succeed.

Why Partou?

Become a Partou team member and join a supportive, caring community where you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. With access to world-class childcare research, resources, and expertise, we help you develop skills, and empower you to create a positive impact on the development of the next generation, as they lead us into a better future.

Safer Recruitment: All applicants will undergo Enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Partou is proud be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.