Course Leader SEND

Coventry University's National Institute of Teaching & Education (NITE) is a global provider of postgraduate and undergraduate degrees, training and professional development for teaching assistants, teachers and school/college leaders. Our courses innovate in their flexibility and blend online delivery with school-based practice and a highly regarded tutorial programme.

This role is based at the National Institute of Teaching & Education (NITE) Milton Keynes, MK5 8FR.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Course Leader SEND to join our NITE team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of future teachers and inclusive practitioners while working within NITE, part of the Coventry University Group.

In this role, you will lead and support high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across teacher training programmes, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), inclusion, and adaptive teaching. You will work collaboratively with Heads of Delivery, programme teams, partnership schools, and external stakeholders to ensure an outstanding and supportive experience for trainees and colleagues alike.

You will play a key role in developing and embedding inclusive practice across programmes, supporting trainees to build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to meet the needs of all learners. You will contribute to curriculum design, quality assurance, and the ongoing development of SEND provision in line with current legislation, research, and national priorities.

The role involves building strong professional relationships with colleagues, mentors, and partner schools, engaging in thoughtful and constructive dialogue that supports trainee progress and promotes inclusive educational practice. You will balance the needs and perspectives of trainees, schools, and wider partnership organisations, while aligning your work with NITE's strategic priorities, the DfE Initial Teacher Training (ITT) criteria, and the NITE training curriculum.

As part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, you will also contribute to the strategic development of SEND across teacher education programmes, helping to shape practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

Qualifications Required:
You will need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and significant experience of teaching and leading in specialist settings.

Person Specification:
You will be a qualified and committed education professional, holding a good honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with a strong understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusive practice. You will be confident working with and presenting to a wide range of professionals, bringing clarity, credibility, and enthusiasm to your work.

You will be passionate about supporting others to develop their knowledge and practice in SEND, with experience of mentoring, coaching, or teaching fellow professionals. You will have supported trainee teachers, early career colleagues, or established practitioners to strengthen inclusive teaching approaches and improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

You will understand the importance of high-quality mentoring and professional development in building confidence, expertise, and professional identity, particularly in relation to adaptive teaching, inclusion, and statutory responsibilities.

Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to influence teacher education and SEND provision at a strategic level, work collaboratively across partnerships, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of inclusive educators.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.

Benefits:
- Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
- 30 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
- Life Assurance 4 x Salary
- BUPA Cash Plan
- 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
- CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/Online Retailers
- Cycle To Work Scheme