At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and implement educational services for children and young people in Dudley.
- Company: Join Connect2Dudley, a dynamic partnership focused on community and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of young people and promote inclusion in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education management and a passion for supporting vulnerable learners is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape educational strategies and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
Under the overall direction of the Director of Children's Services, the post holder will be fully accountable for implementing Dudley Council's vision and priorities for education, learning, inclusion, services for young people, and special educational needs.
Responsible for services focused on the education and inclusion needs of children and young people within the Borough, including:
- Special Educational Needs
- Schools Organisation/Development
- Services to Schools
- Family Solutions through Early Help/Stronger Families and Children's Centres
- Youth Offending Service and Youth Provision
Specific Responsibilities
- Lead on the education and early years functions of the Council as the local education authority, working with the Director of Children's Services to ensure full discharge of statutory obligations.
- Provide professional advice, support, and challenge to the Borough's schools and early years settings to improve educational outcomes for children and young people.
- Oversee the effective discharge of the Council's responsibilities for family solutions services through early help, stronger families, and children's centres.
- Oversee responsibilities related to special education needs and disability services, prioritizing actions to reduce school exclusions.
- Manage youth offending and youth services, supporting innovation and community development.
- Alongside the Head of Education Outcomes, oversee learning, pupil attainment, achievement, progress, and school improvement functions across maintained schools.
- Lead strategic development and implementation of SEND services, ensuring effective delivery of Dudley's SEND strategy, including commissioning and managing provision for vulnerable learners.
- Lead initiatives to improve educational outcomes for vulnerable learners, promoting inclusion and integrated working across education, health, and social care.
- Ensure effective delivery of early years and youth services, and collaborate with Corporate Finance for DSG budget distribution.
- Ensure resource allocation (financial, human, physical) effectively delivers value for money.
- Utilize data analysis to monitor school performance and enable intervention when necessary.
- Collaborate with school admissions and planning services to fulfill statutory responsibilities.
- Implement and oversee the Directorate improvement plan related to inclusion and SEN, contributing to wider Children's Services improvements.
- Work in partnership with colleagues, agencies, and organizations to deliver integrated services to children, young people, and families.
- Provide strategic advice and support to Members, Directors, and service managers on relevant issues.
- Lead, manage, and motivate staff through effective communication, guidance, and development.
- Contribute to the Directorate Management Team, ensuring effective leadership of your division and the wider directorate.
- Deputize for the DCS as required.
- Participate in Council management and contribute to its objectives.
- Coordinate and manage resources to provide or commission high-quality services to communities and individuals.
- Manage service change effectively to align with strategic priorities, working flexibly to adapt to changing circumstances.
Service Director - Education, SEND and Familiy Solutions employer: Connect2Dudley
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dudley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Education, SEND and Familiy Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's vision and priorities for education and inclusion. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your experience and ideas with what they are looking for in a Service Director.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND services. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in special educational needs and youth services. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle the issues faced by Dudley Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams. As a Service Director, showcasing your ability to lead and inspire staff will be crucial during any interviews or discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Education, SEND and Familiy Solutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Service Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Emphasise your experience in education, special educational needs, and leadership roles. Use keywords from the job description to make your CV stand out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the Council's vision for education and inclusion. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements or initiatives you've led in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dudley
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's vision and priorities, especially regarding education, SEND, and family solutions. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare Examples of Leadership
As a Service Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed change, or improved services. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders, including schools, families, and other agencies. Share instances where your collaborative efforts led to positive outcomes for children and young people.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves utilising data analysis to monitor school performance, be prepared to discuss your experience with data-driven decision-making. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform strategies and improve educational outcomes.