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 leave a lasting legacy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while leading innovative 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.
Head of SEND in London employer: Baltimore Consulting
As an employer, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in Southeast London. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us in a collaborative and supportive environment where your expertise is valued, and your leadership can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND in London
✨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 during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven service improvement and managed teams through change. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND in London
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 leadership in SEND, your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, and any relevant achievements that showcase your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've driven service improvement and led teams through change.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role has a strong focus on data and performance, be sure to include any relevant experience you have with data analysis and quality assurance. We want to see how you've used data to drive decisions and improve services.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes it easier for us to connect with you about this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes. Brush up on recent changes and be ready to discuss how these impact service delivery. This will show your expertise and 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 demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Data is Key
Be ready to talk about your experience with data management and performance metrics. Discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for children and young people. This will underline your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Build Strong Partnerships
Think about how you've successfully collaborated with schools, health services, and families in the past. Be prepared to share examples of how you've built these relationships and the positive impact they had on service delivery. This will show your ability to work across different sectors.
