At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality SEND services for children and young people aged 0–25.
- Company: Join Ackerman Pierce, a leader in Social Work recruitment with over 15 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and personal consultant support.
- Other info: Inspiring leadership role with opportunities for professional growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while driving service improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or significant SEND leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 63280 - 75805 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of SEND to lead and develop high-quality Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services for children and young people aged 0–25. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a passionate SEND professional who can drive service improvement, ensure statutory compliance, build strong partnerships, and deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across SEND services, ensuring effective assessment, planning and delivery of support while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage SEND services, ensuring high standards of service delivery and positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Oversee statutory SEND functions, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Manage and develop multi-disciplinary teams, providing effective leadership, support and performance management.
- Ensure robust and transparent decision-making processes, including chairing and overseeing statutory panels.
- Work collaboratively with education providers, health partners, social care, parents, carers and other stakeholders to improve outcomes.
- Lead on strategic planning, service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor service performance, quality standards and compliance requirements.
- Use data, intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
- Oversee resource allocation and contribute to effective budget management.
- Support the development of inclusive practices across educational settings.
- Manage complex cases, complaints and tribunal-related activity where required.
- Promote safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children and young people remains central to all decision-making.
Essential Requirements
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Qualified education professional or significant SEND leadership experience.
- Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory SEND processes.
- Proven experience leading SEND services within a local authority, education or similar environment.
- Experience managing multi-agency partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.
- Experience of service improvement, performance management and quality assurance.
- Ability to analyse complex data and use insights to improve service delivery.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.
What We're Looking For
- Strategic vision and strong organisational insight.
- Inspirational leadership and commitment to inclusion.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
- The ability to lead teams through change and transformation.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
- A commitment to delivering outstanding services for children, young people and families.
Head of SEND in Chatham employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Ackerman Pierce is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for professionals in the SEND sector. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for strategic leadership and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, all while ensuring a culture of excellence and accountability. Our hybrid working model in Medway allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND services. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about driving improvements and delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams through change and transformation, especially in multi-agency partnerships. This will highlight your strategic vision and commitment to inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of SEND role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND services and any relevant qualifications to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about SEND and how your strategic vision aligns with our goals. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved services or outcomes in previous roles. Numbers and data can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes. Brush up on your knowledge about EHCPs and how they impact service delivery. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams and managed complex cases. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead others, which is crucial for a senior leadership position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve built strong partnerships with education providers, health partners, and families. Highlight your communication skills and any successful collaborations that led to improved outcomes. This will illustrate your capability to work effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how to use data and performance information to drive improvements. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used insights from data to inform your decisions in previous roles. This will show that you can make informed choices that benefit the services you lead.
