At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND Inclusion Officers and ensure quality in EHC assessments and plans.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a team focused on equality, diversity, and continuous service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Experience in statutory SEND processes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you an experienced SEND leader with a strong grasp of statutory responsibilities and a passion for inclusive, place‑based education?
About the role
This is a critical leadership post within a complex statutory service. You will:
- Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership to SEND Inclusion Officers within a defined locality or localities
- Oversee the quality, timeliness and compliance of EHC assessments, plans and reviews
- Support consistency and confidence in the delivery of the graduated approach, aligned to SEND reform expectations
- Lead and support staff through supervision, performance management and reflective practice
- Manage and resolve complex and high‑risk cases, including escalation and dispute resolution
- Work closely with education, health and care partners to support integrated, locality‑based solutions
- Contribute to service improvement, performance monitoring and reform implementation
You will act as a visible and credible leader, supporting schools and partners while maintaining clear accountability for statutory processes.
About the service
The SENDSARS team is responsible for statutory SEND processes, including EHC assessments, planning and placement decisions, working in close partnership with families and a wide range of professionals. This is a pivotal time for the service as we continue a programme of transformational change, responding to SEND reform and delivering focused improvements following the CQC Local Area SEND inspection. Sheffield is embedding a locality model to:
- strengthen early intervention and inclusion
- improve consistency and equity across the city
- ensure children, young people and families experience a more joined‑up system
The Assistant Service Manager will play a key role in translating reform principles into high‑quality operational practice at locality level.
About you
We are looking for a leader who:
- Has strong experience of statutory SEND processes, including EHC needs assessments and plans
- Has an excellent standard of written and verbal communication
- Can make sound, lawful decisions in complex and emotionally demanding situations
- Understands and champions inclusive education and locality‑based working
- Has experience of leading staff and managing performance in a pressured environment
- Is confident working across multi‑agency systems and building effective professional relationships
- Is organised, resilient and able to lead through change
Experience of contributing to service improvement, SEND reform activity or inspection response work is highly desirable.
Enquiries
For full details, please refer to the job description and person specification. Informal conversations are warmly welcomed. Please contact the service manager Lisa Eyre on lisa.eyre@sheffield.gov.uk
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under‑represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
Equal opportunity
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Benefits and working hours
Full‑time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share. If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade. Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.
Assistant Service Manager in Sheffield employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about SEND reform and education. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working opportunities, and a focus on diversity, we empower our staff to lead meaningful change in the community. Join us in making a difference while enjoying generous holiday entitlements and a collaborative culture that values every voice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Service Manager in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of statutory SEND processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams through change and improved service delivery – it’s all about showcasing your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested and professional.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Assistant Service Manager role. We want to see your application, and it’s the easiest way to keep track of your progress with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Service Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND processes and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your points focused. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for inclusive education shine through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference, so share your motivations and experiences that reflect this passion.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Know Your SEND Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statutory SEND processes, especially EHC assessments and plans. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Assistant Service Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in pressured environments. Think about specific situations where you managed performance or supported staff through change, as this will highlight your capability to lead SEND Inclusion Officers effectively.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information simply.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be ready to discuss your experience working across multi-agency systems. Highlight instances where you've built effective professional relationships with education, health, and care partners, as this aligns perfectly with the collaborative nature of the role.
