In Trafford we are highly ambitious for our children and young people. Our vision is clear; we want every child to have the best possible start, to feel included as a matter of course, and to have every opportunity to achieve and thrive.
As our Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support, you will lead a wide portfolio covering education, attainment and inclusion, sufficiency planning, and our Best Start in Life programme. You will work closely with schools and multi‑academy trusts, health and community partners to align local strategy with national reform and statutory duties, so children, young people and families feel the benefit of a genuinely joined‑up, inclusive system. This is system leadership: working at pace, across boundaries,
with a relentless focus on what matters for families. You will build on Trafford’s strong collaborative foundations, including our borough wide Inclusion Charter and close partnership with our family of
schools. With health, the CVS and early years providers, you will continue to develop our Best Start Family Hubs, bringing the right support to families in their communities. Your passion for education and learning will help sustain Trafford’s strong record on attendance and attainment for all, where
performance continues to exceed national levels.
We are seeking a visible, values‑driven leader who can set clear, compelling strategies for education, inclusion and early support, delivering tangible improvements so that ‘no child is left behind’. You will work hand‑in‑hand with headteachers, trusts, governors, health leaders, the voluntary and community sector, DfE colleagues, and parents and carers. Through innovative, forward‑looking strategic leadership, you will navigate a changing landscape of inspection, accountability and policy, including the recent ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper. Above all, you will assure quality, sufficiency and safeguarding across all settings, keeping children at the centre of every decision.
This is a rare opportunity to influence an entire system and make a lasting difference. If you share our ambition for children and young people, and you lead with purpose, collaboration and courage, we would love to hear from you.
Speak to our advising consultants at GatenbySanderson, Philip Emms (07690 225472) or Louise Bickley (07586 715788).
Closing date: Monday 30th March.
Company: Trafford Council
Salary: £100,731 – £104,625
Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester
Sector: Corporate Services
Sector: Corporate Management Team
Sector: Education
Job Role: Director