At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve education services for children, focusing on inclusion and strategic planning.
- Company: Blackpool Council, dedicated to creating better opportunities for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape the future of education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a strong focus on collaboration and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a community committed to positive change and growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND, inclusion, and strategic educational planning.
The predicted salary is between 81700 - 88600 £ per year.
Blackpool is changing fast, driven by a Council Plan focused on stronger communities and better opportunities for children and young people. With over £2 billion invested in regeneration projects to enhance the town and its future potential, Blackpool is creating an environment where education, inclusion and lifelong outcomes can genuinely flourish.
About the Role
We are looking for an Assistant Director who can provide clear, confident system leadership, bringing coherence across early years, school improvement, SEND and inclusion, post‑16 pathways, attendance, the Virtual School and safeguarding in education. You will also lead strategic place planning, ensuring mainstream and SEND sufficiency, alongside capital planning and admissions, so the whole education system feels aligned and connected. You will join a Children’s Services directorate that continues to strengthen, with recent Ofsted findings noting improved practice, strong focus on safety and wellbeing and the embedded impact of our Blackpool Families Rock approach. Relationships with schools, MATs and the Education Improvement Board are positive and constructive, providing a strong platform for joint problem‑solving and shared ambition across the system. What we need now is a leader who can pull the different parts of the system together with clarity and purpose. You will align sufficiency, SEND strategy and school improvement around a small number of high‑impact priorities, create the conditions for effective partnership working and ensure our education and inclusion offer is joined‑up, consistent and focused on improving outcomes for every child and young person.
About You
You will be an experienced leader with strong credibility across SEND and inclusion, system improvement and strategic planning. You will understand what it means to be a system leader: someone who can see the whole picture, anticipate what is coming, horizon scan with confidence and guide partners through complexity with clarity and purpose. You will influence confidently, maintain trusting partnerships and work constructively with political leaders. You will also model the principles of Blackpool Families Rock, which place relationships, strengths and partnership at the heart of how we think and work. You will bring ambition, clarity and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. If you want to make a meaningful impact in a town committed to change, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing Date: 13:00 on Tuesday 7th of April
Assistant Director of Children's Services Education and Inclusion NEW Blackpool Council Posted [...] employer: Blackpool
Contact Detail:
Blackpool Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Children's Services Education and Inclusion NEW Blackpool Council Posted [...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to Blackpool Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the key priorities of the role. Brush up on your knowledge about SEND, inclusion, and strategic planning. Show us you’re not just a fit for the job, but that you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've successfully led teams or projects. 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 the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Children's Services Education and Inclusion NEW Blackpool Council Posted [...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Director role. Highlight your experience in SEND and inclusion, and how you can bring clarity and purpose to the education system in Blackpool.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in areas related to system improvement and strategic planning. This will help us understand your approach to driving change.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and ensure we can easily grasp your vision for improving outcomes for children and young people in Blackpool.
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 this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Blackpool.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of the role, especially around SEND and inclusion. Brush up on recent Ofsted findings and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the ongoing improvements in Blackpool's education system.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, particularly in system improvement and strategic planning. Think about how you've successfully influenced partnerships and navigated complex situations in the past.
✨Connect with the Community
Understand the local context and the importance of community relationships. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with schools, MATs, and political leaders to foster collaboration and drive positive outcomes for children and young people.
✨Embrace the Blackpool Families Rock Approach
Familiarise yourself with the principles of the Blackpool Families Rock approach. Be prepared to explain how you would model these principles in your work, focusing on building strong relationships and partnerships to enhance educational outcomes.