Director of Inclusion and SEND - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Valley Invicta Academies Trust, Maidstone

• Ref:KCC104-1000-221L
• Posted:18/02/2026
• Pay:L14 - L18 (£71,330 - £78,702)
• Start Date:Easter or September 2026
• App Close Date:09/03/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Director of Inclusion and SEND

We are recruiting for a Trust Director of Inclusion and SEND. This is a pivotal appointment for our Trust. We believe inclusion is not a separate strategy or a set of processes, it is the foundation of excellent education. It is about culture, leadership and the daily experience of pupils in classrooms. It is about high expectations, professional integrity and ensuring that every child is known, valued and supported to succeed. We are seeking a leader who shares this conviction.

The Director of Inclusion and SEND will work alongside senior leaders to strengthen inclusive practice across the Trust. This role is not about compliance or isolated intervention. It is about building coherent systems, developing leadership capacity and ensuring that high-quality teaching and curriculum design meet the needs of all learners.

Are you a visionary leader with a heart for equity? At Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT), we believe every child gets only one chance at their education. We are looking for a Strategic Lead for Inclusion and SEND to join our "inclusive family" and ensure that for every student, that one chance truly counts.

As an "exceptional cluster" of schools at the heart of our community, our mission is to enable every child, and every member of our team, to be the very best they can be.

Are You Who We’re Looking For?

We want a leader who is a creative thinker and innovator—someone who can build leadership capacity so that SEND and inclusion are understood as a collective responsibility. If you are ready to lead professional learning that transforms lives, we want to meet you.

To Apply: Please visit the VIAT Careers Portal to download an application form. Completed forms should be sent to recruitment@viat.co.uk.

Why Choose VIAT?

When you join us, you aren’t just taking a job; you are joining a culture rooted in Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. We offer:

A Collaborative Haven: Work as "one cohesive team" across our nine schools, sharing expertise and solving problems together.

Investment in You: Access first-class professional development, bespoke coaching and mentoring.

Wellbeing First: We provide health and welfare support through Medicash, including a virtual GP and mental health tools.

Great Perks: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous pension schemes and staff discounts.

The full recruitment pack can be found here

Our Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. As part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and any relevant information found concerning a candidate's suitability to work with children will be discussed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

A copy of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy can be found online.

Valley Invicta Academies Trust expects every employee to take responsibility for promoting a culture that values and respects difference. We welcome applications from all diverse and ethnic groups.

If you require access arrangements to complete an application form, please contact the Trust who will support you i.e., large print, coloured forms.

Information about the school

Valley Invicta Academies Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, based in Maidstone, Kent. The Trust is a family of primary and secondary schools which work in partnership to provide an exceptional education for all its young people. the Trust is responsible for five primary schools and four secondary schools:

VIAT Primary Schools Valley Invicta Primary School at Aylesford, Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes, Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill, Valley Invicta Primary School at Leybourne Chase and Valley Invicta Primary School at Eastborough.

VIAT Secondary Schools Invicta Grammar School, School of Science and Technology Maidstone (SST), The Lenham School and Valley Park School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs Lynne Russell
• Address:Business Centre, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DS
• Telephone: 03033030000
• Email: hrviat@viat.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy