At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Sheffield’s SEND service, focusing on dispute resolution and mediation.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, dedicated to inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and commitment to equality.
- Other info: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and positive outcomes for families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND processes, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Service Manager to lead Sheffield’s SEND Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SENDSAR) with a focus on dispute resolution, mediation and tribunal activity. This is a key leadership role within Sheffield’s SEND service, with responsibility for overseeing statutory processes where there is disagreement or challenge, ensuring the Local Authority meets its legal duties while working constructively with families and partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
About the role
- Lead the service’s approach to SEND disputes, mediation and SEND Tribunal activity
- Provide oversight and management of complex and high-profile cases
- Ensure statutory processes are delivered in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and legal timescales
- Work closely with schools, families, health and social care partners to resolve concerns at the earliest opportunity
- Lead and support managers and staff across SENDSAR to ensure consistent, high-quality decision making
- Coordinate responses to appeals, complaints and mediation, ensuring accurate and timely submissions
- Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members on SEND dispute trends, risk and service development
- Use learning from complaints, mediation and tribunals to strengthen practice and improve outcomes across the service
- Support wider SEND transformation and continuous improvement activity across Sheffield
About you
- Significant experience of SEND statutory processes and legal frameworks
- Strong knowledge of mediation, SEND Tribunal processes and dispute resolution
- Leadership experience in SEND, education or children’s services
- A strong commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Experience of working effectively across education, health and care
- Confidence managing complex situations and balancing competing priorities
- The ability to analyse information, assess risk and make informed decisions
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead teams through change and service improvement
Most importantly, you will be collaborative, solution-focused and committed to working with families and partners to resolve issues constructively while maintaining a clear focus on children and young people’s needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead an important area of Sheffield’s SEND service at a time of improvement and development. If you are passionate about inclusive practice, experienced in SEND statutory work and committed to building positive relationships that deliver better outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while striving for excellence in public service. As a Service Manager in the SENDSAR team, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that directly impact the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, all within a collaborative environment that values diversity and promotes professional growth. With flexible working options and a commitment to equality, Sheffield City Council is dedicated to fostering a workplace where every employee can thrive and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND and familiarising yourself with Sheffield City Council's initiatives. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Service Manager, you’ll need to convey complex information clearly. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - SEND in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND statutory processes and dispute resolution. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Service Manager, leadership is key! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in SEND or related fields. We love to see how you’ve made a positive impact through collaboration and strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
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 – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND statutory processes and legal frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your leadership experience in SEND or children's services. Think about times when you've led a team through change or improved service delivery. Highlighting your ability to manage complex situations and balance priorities will demonstrate your readiness for this key leadership role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role is all about partnership working, so be ready to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with schools, families, and health and social care partners in the past. Share specific examples where your communication and relationship-building skills made a difference in resolving disputes or improving outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would approach them. This will help you demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to finding constructive solutions.
