Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship (SEN Leadership Pathway)

Leading inclusive change in schools and SEND settings.

The SEN Leadership apprenticeship is a first-of-its-kind national programme, mapped to the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship standard and designed specifically for current and aspiring assistant SENCOs and SENCOs, SEND leaders, and senior school staff who want to lead strategically and inclusively within education.

Developed in partnership with local authorities and education partners, the programme blends high-level leadership training with specialist SEND expertise,  empowering professionals to drive meaningful improvement in provision, outcomes, and culture.

Over 15 months, learners take part in nine interactive workshops, monthly 1:1 coaching, and applied workplace projects that directly improve SEND practice and provision within their settings.

By the end of the programme, participants will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate complex SEND systems, influence positive change, and create schools where every pupil can thrive.

Why Choose SEN Leadership?

  1. Pioneering SEND Leadership Development
    The UK’s first apprenticeship-based SEN leadership programme, combining leadership, strategy, and SEND excellence.
  2. Designed for SENCOs and Aspiring SEND Leaders
    Tailored for those leading or supporting SEND provision in schools, trusts, and local authorities.
  3. Strategic and Practical
    Every module links theory with real-world improvement, supporting tangible impact in your setting.
  4. Coaching and Community
    Each learner is supported by a dedicated leadership coach and a professional peer network of SEN leaders nationwide.
  5. Fully Funded Through the Apprenticeship Levy
    Accessible to schools, academies, and local authorities, with no cost to learners or employers.

Programme Structure

Programme Duration: 15 months + End-Point Assessment

Delivery: Nine full-day online workshops + monthly 1:1 coaching

Outcome: Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship Qualification

Each module follows the Seed Skills learning cycle:

  • Pre-Work: Curated readings, videos, and reflection activities.
  • Masterclass: Interactive, scenario-based workshops focused on SEND leadership challenges.
  • Post-Work: Applied workplace tasks that build your Portfolio of Evidence and support your Strategic Improvement Project.

Learner Journey

Month 1: Onboarding – Getting to Know You

  • Welcome session and introductions
  • Skills Radar and individual learning plan
  • Meet your leadership coach and cohort

Months 2 – 14: Learning & Coaching Cycles

Every 6–8 weeks, learners complete a masterclass and a 1:1 coaching session to apply new learning to their setting and leadership role.

Month 15: Gateway & End-Point Assessment

Final portfolio and project submission, followed by:

  • Strategic Improvement Project & Presentation – based on a real SEND improvement initiative in your school or trust.
  • Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence – exploring your leadership impact, reflection, and professional growth.

Nine Core Workshops

  1. Leading SEND Inclusion from Within
    Self-awareness, values, and ethical leadership in SEND.
  2. SENCO as Change Leader
    Managing statutory responsibilities and leading sustainable improvement.
  3. Data-Led Decisions for SEND Impact
    Using data and digital tools responsibly to improve provision and outcomes.
  4. From EHCPs to Impact
    Project planning, communication, and risk management in SEND improvement.
  5. Strategy for Inclusion
    Financial awareness, policy alignment, and long-term strategic SEND planning.
  6. Influence and Advocacy in Action
    Negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy for inclusion.
  7. Coaching Conversations that Count
    Coaching and mentoring to build staff confidence and capability.
  8. Building Teams for Inclusion
    Performance, motivation, and CPD for inclusive school teams.
  9. Leading with Legacy
    Project presentations, reflective leadership, and End-Point Assessment preparation.

Impact & ROI

For Learners

  • Gain a nationally recognised Level 5 leadership qualification tailored to SEND leadership.
  • Lead school-wide improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes.
  • Strengthen confidence, strategy, and communication skills as a SEND leader.

For Schools and Organisations

  • Build leadership capacity and succession planning within SEND teams.
  • Improve the quality, consistency, and compliance of SEND leadership across your setting.
  • Strengthen inclusion, staff capability, and pupil outcomes.
  • Empower SENCOs and SEND leaders to create sustainable change.

Real Learning. Real Impact.

Our next cohort starts soon.

Enquire Now or Book a Discovery Call to explore how SEN Leadership can strengthen your SEND strategy and transform inclusion in your setting.