At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND services, ensuring quality and timely support for children and young people.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives in Medway.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on sustainable change and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and empower young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SEND or children's services required.
This is a pivotal moment for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) nationally and within Medway. We are seeking an exceptional Head of SEND to lead our statutory services and play a central role in shaping a stronger, more responsive local system for children and young people aged 0–25. This is not a steady-state leadership role. It is a unique opportunity to lead improvement, build confidence with partners and families, and deliver sustainable change at scale.
You will be responsible for:
- Ensuring statutory duties are met with consistency, timeliness and quality
- Embedding child-centred, relational and outcome-focused practice
- Driving transparent, evidence-based decision making and robust quality assurance
- Leading service performance, sufficiency planning and resource management
- Managing specialist teams, including complaints and tribunals
- Strengthening multi-agency accountability and partnership working
- Driving early identification and intervention
- Shaping local provision and sufficiency planning
- Influencing strategic commissioning and financial sustainability
- Ensuring the voices and lived experiences of children, young people and families are central to service design and delivery
As a visible and influential leader, you will work closely with schools, parent and carer groups, health partners, elected members and senior leaders to build trust, provide constructive challenge and drive collective ownership of SEND outcomes.
About You - We are looking for a credible, resilient and values-driven leader who can demonstrate:
- Significant senior leadership experience within SEND, education or children's services
- Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant statutory frameworks
- A proven track record of leading improvement within complex systems
- Experience managing performance, risk and inspection readiness
- Strong partnership-working skills with the ability to influence across organisational boundaries
- Expertise in using data, insight and intelligence to drive service improvement
- Confidence operating within politically sensitive environments and working with elected members
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes and life chances for children and young people with SEND
To find out more information please contact Lily at (url removed). Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.
Head of SEND in Dartford employer: 4Recruitment Services
As a leading authority in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within Medway and Chatham, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of children and families. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our employees have ample opportunities for growth and advancement, while our flexible working arrangements support a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people aged 0-25, as we drive innovative change and build a responsive local system together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference. Bring your insights to the table and be ready to discuss how you can lead change.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in SEND and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Head of SEND role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've led improvements and made a difference in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a values-driven leader, so share your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Be genuine!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at 4Recruitment Services
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any relevant statutory frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've led improvements in SEND or children's services. Highlight how you managed performance and drove change, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Head of SEND role.
✨Emphasise Partnership Working
Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with schools, health partners, or families. Be ready to discuss how you built trust and influenced outcomes, as strong partnership skills are crucial for this position.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with how data can drive service improvement. Prepare to talk about how you've used data insights in previous roles to make evidence-based decisions, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations of the role.
