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- Tasks: Lead SEND and Inclusion strategy, ensuring quality support for children with special needs.
- Company: Join a high-performing local authority in the Northwest making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £500-£600 and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping inclusive services and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SEND services and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: This is an interim role for 6 months, perfect for those seeking impactful work.
Job Title: Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead (Interim – 6 Month Contract) Location: Northwest Contract Type: Interim (6 months) Salary: £500-£600 per day We are seeking an ambitious, dynamic, and experienced Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead to join a high-performing local authority in the Northwest on an interim basis. This is a critical senior leadership role within the service, reporting to the Executive Director of Education. You’ll provide strategic leadership for all aspects of SEND and Inclusion, ensuring high-quality statutory assessment services, Educational Psychology, and specialist support for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Key Responsibilities: * Lead on the local authority’s SEND and Inclusion strategy and statutory responsibilities. * Oversee the implementation of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme to drive improvements and financial sustainability. * Champion co-production with children, young people, and their families to shape inclusive services. * Represent the authority in readiness for any SEND inspections and ensure alignment with current inspection frameworks. * Manage high-risk, high value SEND services and lead multi-disciplinary teams including Educational Psychologists and SEND Heads of Service. * Foster a strong partnership culture with schools, settings, health partners, and parent carer forums. Experience: * Proven senior leadership experience in local authority SEND services. * Deep understanding of statutory frameworks, high needs funding, and performance-led service improvement. * A confident communicator and relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence and political acumen. * Capable of leading inspection processes and influencing multi-agency strategic direction. * Resilient, proactive, and outcome focused. Desirable: * Degree qualification and management/leadership training (e.g. NPQICL or equivalent). * Experience leading or supporting local authorities through Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections
Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited
Contact Detail:
Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the SEND and Inclusion sector. Attend local authority meetings, workshops, or conferences to connect with key stakeholders and gain insights into current challenges and initiatives.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme and its objectives. Understanding this initiative will help you demonstrate your capability to drive improvements and financial sustainability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with co-production involving children, young people, and their families. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged these groups in shaping services.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local authority's recent SEND inspections and outcomes. Being knowledgeable about their performance and areas for improvement will allow you to tailor your approach and show how you can contribute effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in local authority SEND services and your understanding of statutory frameworks.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your senior leadership experience, particularly in SEND services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they align with the key responsibilities of the role, such as leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing high-risk services.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for SEND and inclusion. Highlight your ability to champion co-production with children and families, and your experience with inspection processes. Make sure to convey your emotional intelligence and political acumen, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in SEND services. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams or initiatives that improved service delivery and outcomes for children with special educational needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Statutory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the current statutory frameworks related to SEND and Inclusion. Be ready to explain how these frameworks influence your strategic decisions and how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong partnership building with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with schools, health partners, and families to create inclusive services and drive improvements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage high-risk services or lead through inspections, and outline your approach and the outcomes achieved.
