At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND operations, ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on improving service quality and outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND processes and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Purpose of the post
To ensure that the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities as a Local Authority as they relate to the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations. To manage the EHC process, special provision and placements funded through the High Needs block. To work in partnership with parents/carers, young people, education, health and care services, commissioners and information services in the integrated and joint delivery of statutory SEND processes and SEND provision, duties and services for special educational needs through efficient delivery systems and processes.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Deliver outstanding service
- Organise and manage SEND operations on behalf of the Council
- Have oversight of the current and projected provision requirements for children and young people with SEND
- Implement systems and processes that promote person-centered planning, keeping the views and wishes of the child and young person central, upholding the principles of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations and statutory guidance
- Minimise anxiety for parents/carers of children and young people through excellent, timely and transparent clear communication about statutory processes
- Increase service quality and performance
- Ensure that EHC Needs Assessments are completed on time and that EHC Plans are of good to outstanding quality
- Work with the Head of SEND to ensure that children and young people with SEND make good progress towards outcomes
- Ensure that all children and young people have an appropriate school placement that meets their specific need as outlined in their EHC Plans
- Be responsible for the timely completion of Complaints, Members Enquiries, information requests and statutory data returns
- Identify opportunities for personal and professional development
- Undertake professional development in support of priorities identified during appraisal sessions
- Ensure that all members of the team are trained to a level that enables them to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively
- Make best use of resources by contributing to Hackney Council's approach to the equitable distribution of resources and funding for children and young people with SEND within the resources available
- Ensure effective and efficient management of the service budget in line with Hackney Council protocols
- Develop strong relationships across teams and with partners, and work in partnership with key services across Education, Health and Care
- Represent the Council at Pan London Groups and national events
- Reflect best practice and ensure compliance
- Provide specialist support and expert advice to the team and other professionals across the integrated SEND Service to ensure effective decision making for complex cases
- Take a lead role in advising on the resolution of complex casework, including advice to the local authority for SEN and Disability Tribunals
- Undertake additional or other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and as directed and deemed appropriate by the Line Manager
General requirements
- Ensure the wellbeing of the team by monitoring and responding to feedback and make management decisions in the interest of the service delivery
- Proven interpersonal skills in order to maintain effective relationships with staff, colleagues and the wider partnership across services for children and young people with SEND
- Carry out responsibilities with due regard to our policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people that you are responsible for or come into contact with
- Carry out duties in line with our policy on Equality and Cohesion and be sensitive and caring to the needs of others, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment
SEND Operational Lead in London employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
As a SEND Operational Lead at Hackney Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering outstanding services for children and young people with special educational needs. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development and collaboration, ensuring that you have the resources and training needed to excel in your role. With a focus on person-centred planning and strong partnerships across education, health, and care services, we offer a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families within our vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operational Lead in London
✨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 Council’s current SEND initiatives. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to managing EHC processes and working with families. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios and your approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Operational Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the SEND Operational Lead role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, give examples of how you've effectively communicated with parents, carers, and other professionals in your previous positions. We want to see your ability to keep everyone informed and engaged!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience:Collaboration is crucial for us at StudySmarter. Share instances where you've worked with diverse teams or partners to achieve common goals, especially in the context of SEND services.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children and Families Act 2014 and its associated regulations. Understanding the legal framework will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can ensure compliance in your role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with parents, carers, and other stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to minimise anxiety through clear communication will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing SEND operations or similar projects. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've organised teams, managed budgets, and ensured timely completion of assessments and plans.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Talk about your experience working in partnership with various services, such as education, health, and care. Demonstrating your ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively will be key to showing you can fulfil the role effectively.
