Samuel Ward Academy
SEND Hub Inclusion Officer
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year), fixed term to 31 August 2027
Salary: Grade 5 SP23-25 (£39,152 - £40,778 per annum)
Are you ready to make a true difference to children’s lives? Do you want to make your mark, establishing your own SEND Hub, with brand new facilities with full backing from experts? ‘Yes?’ then this could be the role for you!
Samuel Ward Academy is looking to appoint a qualified, optimistic, and enthusiastic Inclusion Officer to lead the exciting development and launch of the new Communication and Interaction Specialist Unit (SEND Hub) at Samuel Ward Academy! The project has been backed from the very start by the SEND Director team at Unity Schools Partnership and in conjunction with Churchill School (Communication and Interaction Specialist School – Ofsted Outstanding) with whom we share a site. Already some of Churchill’s students access our curriculum at Samuel Ward Academy – particularly in KS4. This hub, which we have named ‘The Gallery’, will eventually have space for up to 18 Samuel Ward Academy students, with C&I needs, with a planned launch date of September 2026.
The Gallery will be thoughtfully and patiently launched in collaboration with the successful postholder, who will have the unique opportunity to be gifted a high level of autonomy, alongside my full backing and support of a host of specialist professionals who are ready and primed to give evidence informed advice, guidance and examples of ideas and systems that have been tried and tested. Our role is to provide the successful candidate with all they need to succeed in post (and enjoy their job!) and, in turn, your challenge will be to use that platform to give the young people entering The Gallery the very best start, and the climate they need to flourish!
Sound interesting? Matches your ambition? Ready to make a difference? Read the full pack for more details, or get in touch!
We are a warm, welcoming school, at the heart of our community, committed to creating rich and fulfilling futures for each child. We ensure that our students aspire to be their very best, tackle challenges bravely and work together with compassion to build an inclusive community in which each individual can flourish. We have the ambition to be a great school. You will join a staff dedicated to promoting a positive culture of tolerance, respect and excellence.
The successful candidate will be a coordinator and leader of the highest calibre who has the ability to motivate, challenge and inspire our staff and students. You will be a highly skilled, innovative and enthusiastic practitioner with a determination to achieve the best outcomes for the students in The Gallery.
All staff at SWA benefit from close links with colleagues in the other secondary schools in the Unity Schools Partnership. You will join a highly visible and supportive SLT in a school with a sensible approach to workload and a calm, respectful working environment, alongside a professional and dedicated team of staff.
Samuel Ward is a successful 11-18 co-educational academy. We are situated in pleasant surroundings on the western edge of Suffolk, within easy reach of Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. We benefit from a modern building and excellent facilities. Candidates are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about us.
We encourage prospective applicants to come and visit us during the school day. Please contact Tom Johnston, Headteacher for more information, an informal conversation or to make a preapplication visit (email Kirsty Franks, Headteacher’s PA on [email protected])
Closing date: 26th June 9:00am – BUT EARLY APPLICATIONS ADVISED
Interviews: ON A ROLLING BASIS UPON APPLICATION
For the Job Description, Person Specification and to apply online, please visit the Unity Schools Partnership Careers Site: https://www.unitysp-careers.co.uk/job-search/
Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.
In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.
Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.
We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.
2026-06-26
