At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the SEN Service and drive strategic improvements for children with SEND.
- Company: A dynamic London Borough focused on inclusive education and family support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape services and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SEND, education, or social care required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
A London Borough in South London is seeking an experienced Head of Service – SEN to join its Children, Education & Families Directorate on an interim basis. Reporting to the Director of Education, this is a key strategic leadership role responsible for leading the borough's SEN Service and providing system leadership across the wider SEND partnership. The successful candidate will drive the SEND strategic vision, lead service improvement and work collaboratively across education, health, social care, schools and families to deliver high-quality, inclusive services for children and young people with SEND.
Main Duties
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the SEN Service, ensuring high-quality, efficient and child-centred services.
- Lead the development and delivery of the borough's SEND Strategy, ensuring compliance with national legislation, statutory guidance and local priorities.
- Oversee the SEN Leadership Team, including Statutory Assessment, Tribunals & Mediation, SEN Outreach and the SEND Programme Team.
- Drive continuous service improvement through effective performance management, quality assurance and the use of business intelligence and performance data.
- Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of integrated SEND services across education, health and social care.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with schools, parents, carers, health providers, social care and other partner agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Provide expert advice and strategic reports to the Director of Education, Senior Leadership Team and elected members.
- Lead on SEND commissioning arrangements and ensure resources are effectively managed to deliver best value and positive outcomes.
- Manage significant service budgets and ensure financial accountability across the service.
- Champion co‑production by embedding the voice of children, young people and families into service planning and development.
- Lead workforce development, performance management and professional development across the SEN Service.
- Ensure statutory responsibilities are met, including compliance with SEND legislation, safeguarding requirements and quality standards.
- Deputise for the Director of Education as required and contribute to the wider Education Leadership Team.
Requirements
- Significant senior leadership experience within a Local Authority SEND Service, Children’s Services, Education, Health or Social Care.
- Extensive knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, SEND Regulations and wider SEND legislation.
- Proven experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams within a high-profile service area.
- Demonstrable experience delivering service transformation and driving continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of strategic SEND commissioning and integrated service delivery.
- Experience managing significant budgets and ensuring effective financial governance.
- Proven ability to build strong partnerships across education, health, social care, schools and families.
- Experience preparing reports and providing strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.
- Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Degree-level qualification in Education, Health, Social Care or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Recent professional development relevant to SEND leadership.
Head of SEN in London employer: Ackerman Pierce
As a leading employer in the education sector, this London Borough offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Head of SEN role. With a strong commitment to professional development and collaboration, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises inclusivity and high-quality service delivery for children and young people with SEND. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives ensures meaningful contributions to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEN in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEN in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Ackerman Pierce.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Ackerman Pierce that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
