At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND services, drive improvements, and ensure quality outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on impactful education and support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Empowering role with autonomy and the chance to influence key decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while leading transformative change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in SEND, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of statutory processes.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 75000 £ per year.
£68,000 - £75,000 + Package
Southeast London
Hybrid working (2-3 days on site)
If you’re driven by impact, improvement and outcomes for children and young people, this is the opportunity that will genuinely stretch and reward you. As the Head of SEND, you will report directly into the Strategic Head of Education and have full accountability for a high-profile, politically sensitive service at the heart of the organisation. You will lead multiple specialist teams, hold responsibility for statutory delivery across the 0–25 SEND pathway and influence how services are commissioned, shaped and improved. This is a role where your decisions matter, your leadership is visible and your expertise is valued. You will take ownership of performance, quality assurance and service transformation, working across education, health and care partners to ensure families experience a joined-up, transparent and responsive system. With a strong focus on data, governance and outcomes, this role offers the chance to stabilise, improve and leave a lasting legacy.
Your role as Head of SEND:
- Lead statutory SEND functions across assessment, provision and EHCP delivery
- Drive service improvement, performance management and quality assurance
- Provide visible leadership to managers and multi-disciplinary teams
- Build strong partnerships with schools, health and families
- Own decision-making, panels, budgets and resource allocation
You will be trusted to operate with a high level of autonomy, manage complex risk and confidently engage with senior stakeholders, including elected members. Your ability to balance operational grip with strategic thinking will be critical to success.
Your previous experience as Head of SEND:
- Extensive senior experience within a SEND or education environment
- Deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes
- Proven track record of multi-agency working and system leadership
- Strong background in data, performance and inspection readiness
- Confident leading teams through change, challenge and improvement
This is an ideal opportunity if you are an experienced SEND leader looking for a role with pace, purpose and profile. You will be empowered to make decisions, influence direction and deliver tangible improvements for children, young people and their families.
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a strong fit for this Head of SEND role, please get in touch today or apply now.
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do reach out.)
Head of SEND employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited
As an employer, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, where your expertise as Head of SEND will be valued and impactful. Located in Southeast London, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive environment. Join us to lead transformative initiatives that directly benefit children and young people, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Contact Details:
Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and SEND sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face in SEND. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved services. Use data and outcomes to back up your achievements – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of SEND role. Highlight your extensive senior experience in SEND or education, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to lead teams through change and improvement. We want to see how you've provided visible leadership in previous roles and how you’ve influenced service delivery.
Data-Driven Approach:Since this role has a strong focus on data and performance, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in your past positions. This will show us that you can balance operational grip with strategic thinking.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting Limited
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes. Brush up on recent changes and how they impact service delivery. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving service improvements. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the responsibilities of the Head of SEND role.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions and improve outcomes in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with performance management and quality assurance, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current challenges and goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and vision for SEND.
