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)
CVs are being reviewed immediately.
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 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
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, ensuring a meaningful legacy in the community.
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, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, 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
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven service improvement and led teams through change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. So, get your CV polished and hit that apply button!
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 and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your impact on children and young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background in multi-agency working and system leadership makes you the perfect fit for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give examples of how you've provided visible leadership in previous roles. We want to see how you’ve driven service improvement and managed teams through change, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨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, as this will show your ability to lead through change and influence others.
✨Data is Key
Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive performance management and quality assurance in previous roles. Bring examples of how data informed your decision-making and led to tangible outcomes for children and families.
✨Build Strong Partnerships
Think about how you’ve successfully collaborated with schools, health services, and families in the past. Be prepared to share strategies you’ve used to build these relationships, as this is crucial for the Head of SEND role.
