Community of Schools (CoS) Chairs recruitment

KCC is actively recruiting for additional Community of Schools (CoS) Chairs to fill positions becoming vacant for September 2026.

The Community chair will have responsibility for chairing the school ‘Community’ meetings as part of KCC’s commitment to developing local area partnership arrangements for children and young people with SEN. Chairs will also have responsibility of governance of the model in the light of local and national SEN reforms. Community chairs will be committed as system leaders who will work for the best outcomes for all children and young people across Kent.

The Countywide Approach to Inclusive Education (CATIE) Strategy 2023–28, sets out how we in Kent will work together to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. As part of the delivery of the priorities within this strategy, our Communities of Schools are crucial, allowing SEN support and services to be accessed and delivered in a new way, making better use of local education, health and SEN expertise and aligning with the direction set out within the “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” White Paper.

These fixed-term posts (July 2026 to end of July 2027) are available for a school senior leader for one day per month equivalent, per Community.

This is an exciting opportunity for SENCOs and Inclusion leaders to develop their skills, experience and professional network across different school and Local Authority settings and to embed good practice and take forward a critical agenda in the Local Area.

Please complete the Community Chair Expressions of Interest form which includes an expression of interest of no more than 200 words. Please also review the job description (PDF, 126.2 KB) for further information.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday 5 June 2026.