Why become a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?

Sarah Mellors, Head Teacher of Alcester Academy, shares her experience of becoming a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) and encourages others to consider taking on this rewarding role, both as an excellent professional development opportunity but also to enable more effective collaboration to further improve the life chances of children in Warwickshire with special educational needs.

The role of SLEs in the context of special educational needs and disabilities is growing ever more important as we continue to champion the wide variety of needs that our children have in school either as SENCos or as senior leaders in schools. We know that these children are often extremely vulnerable. They rely upon adults around them who can continue to develop the very best practice:

‘With high aspirations, and the right support, the vast majority of children and young people can go on to achieve successful long-term outcomes in adult life.’  (Special educational needs and disability code of practice:  0 to 25 years, January 2015.)

The information provided by the Department for Education states that: SLEs focus on developing leadership capacity in schools. While other roles focus specifically on developing classroom expertise, this role is about developing the capacity and capability of other leaders so that they have the skills to lead their own teams and improve practice in their own schools.

This may be done through one-to-one or group support and could involve a variety of activities, such as:

• data analysis
• coaching
• facilitating and training or
• joint action planning

As a less experienced leader of special educational needs, I had the privilege of working along side an SLE in my early years as a Warwickshire SENCo. The school budget was tight, and staff generally knew the workload commitment that being a SENCo entailed. I therefore volunteered to take on the role as the existing deputy head teacher.

I found the wealth of knowledge and information shared by my SLE link just invaluable. Within a landscape of legislation, demands for more positive student outcomes and massive parental expectation, I was able to develop the strategy that the school required with an experienced mentor guiding me through this process.  As an SLE now myself, I look forward to being able to share this experience with other colleagues requiring further support. In doing this I strongly believe that we are all working more effectively in collaboration to improve the life chances of the students in our care.  

There is more information available on becoming a Specialist Leader of Education on the Department for Education website here. Equally, you can approach a nearby Teaching School Alliance for further detail. 

You are required to have been in a leadership position for the last two years, other than in the role of headteacher. You can also be from any type or phase of education. Consideration has to be given to any time commitment away from school that this role will bring however there is no minimum or maximum expectation.

In terms of personal growth and professional development, this is a role that can be so rewarding as an SLE but also for the school or individual receiving it.

If you are interested in becoming an SLE in the area of special educational needs and disabilities please contact Jane Carter, Acting Strategy & Commissioning Manager, SEND & Inclusion 0-25: janecarter@warwickshire.gov.uk