Who Are We?
SEN SHED is a Sussex-based charity supporting children and young adults aged 11–22 with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neuro-diverse conditions.
Through supported woodturning and creative workshop activities, SEN SHED helps participants develop confidence, practical skills, social connections, and improved wellbeing in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
As the charity grows, additional creative and practical activities may be introduced in response to the interests and aspirations of the young people we support.
Why Volunteer with SEN SHED
- Help shape
opportunities for children and young adults with Special Educational
Needs.
- Use your experience
and knowledge to support an innovative and growing charity.
- Help strengthen
connections between SEN SHED, schools, families, and local organisations.
- Contribute to a
practical and meaningful programme that directly benefits young people.
- Work alongside a
passionate and dedicated team committed to creating positive opportunities
for SEN children and young adults.
The Role
The Volunteer Education and SEN Adviser will provide guidance, insight, and support to help SEN SHED build effective relationships with Special Schools, Alternative Provision set-tings, Local Authorities, parent groups, and other organisations supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs.
Working closely with the Chair and Trustees, the Adviser will help SEN SHED better under-stand the education landscape, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that the charity's activities are aligned with the needs of the young people it seeks to support.
The role is advisory in nature and does not carry responsibility for the operational management of the charity.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Advice and Guidance
- Provide advice on
educational and SEN-related matters relevant to the charity's activities.
- Offer insight into
current challenges, opportunities, and priorities within the SEN sector.
- Help SEN SHED
understand how its services can best complement existing educational
provision.
School and Education Engagement
- Advise on approaches
for engaging with Special Schools, SEN units, Alternative Provision
settings, colleges, and other educational organisations.
- Support the
development of relationships with schools and educational professionals
across Sussex.
- Help identify
opportunities for collaboration and partnership working.
Local Authority and Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide guidance on
working effectively with local authorities and other organisations
supporting children and young people with SEN.
- Assist SEN SHED in
understanding relevant local structures, services, and referral pathways.
- Where appropriate,
help facilitate introductions and networking opportunities.
Advocacy and Representation
- Act as an ambassador
for SEN SHED where appropriate.
- Support discussions
with educational and community stakeholders.
- Help communicate the
value and impact of SEN SHED's work within the wider SEN community.
Programme Development
- Provide feedback and
advice on proposed activities, projects, and services.
- Help ensure that
programmes remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of
children and young adults with SEN.
The role is advisory and does not require the individual to become a
Trustee, although there may be opportunities to become more involved in the
future if desired.
We
are particularly keen to hear from retired Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers,
SENCOs, and former Local Authority education professionals who can help SEN
SHED build effective relationships with schools and SEN services across Sussex.
What skills do I need?
Essential
- Significant
experience within education, Special Educational Needs provision, school
leadership, or related services.
- Good understanding
of the SEN landscape and the challenges faced by children, young people,
families, and educational settings.
- Strong communication
and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to provide
constructive advice and guidance.
- Commitment to the
aims and values of SEN SHED.
Highly Desirable
- Experience as a Head
Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, SENCO, Education Adviser, Local Authority
Officer, or similar senior education leadership role.
- Experience working
with Special Schools, Alternative Provision settings, or specialist SEN
services.
- Established
knowledge of educational services and support networks within Sussex.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about
improving opportunities for children and young adults with Special
Educational Needs.
- Supportive,
approachable, and collaborative.
- Professional,
diplomatic, and well-connected.
- Committed to helping
SEN SHED grow its impact and reach.