At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape SEND services, ensuring timely and compliant support for children and families.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, career development, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experienced SEND leader with strong management and strategic skills.
£61,820 - £67,373 per year inclusive of London Weighting
Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working)
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
Are you an SEND leader looking for a role where you can lead and shape the delivery of statutory SEND services across Bracknell Forest? As SEND Service Lead, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for key statutory processes, including EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, phase transfers, mediation and tribunal activity. This fixed-term role is ideal for an experienced SEND leader who is confident managing complex services, developing high-performing teams and using data, professional expertise and partnership working to drive sustained improvement.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office for one day per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About you… We are looking for an experienced, confident and values-led SEND leader to help shape and strengthen our statutory SEND services. This is an exciting opportunity to lead high-performing teams, drive improvement, influence strategic decision-making and make a real difference for children, young people and families across Bracknell Forest. You will play a central role in ensuring services are timely, compliant and focused on improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Working closely with education, health, social care, families, providers and regional partners, you will lead service improvement, strengthen quality assurance, support effective decision-making and help ensure the council meets its statutory responsibilities.
About the team… You will join a committed and ambitious SEND and Specialist Support Services leadership team, based at Time Square with flexible working arrangements. We work collaboratively with schools, families, health partners, social care, providers and the Parent Carer Forum to deliver timely, high-quality support and improve outcomes. This is a supportive, improvement-focused environment where professional expertise, partnership working and creative problem-solving are valued.
- Lead and oversee the delivery of SEND statutory services, including EHC needs assessments, annual reviews, phase transfers, mediations and tribunals.
- Manage, support and develop a team of professionals, ensuring strong performance, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Chair key decision-making and resource allocation panels, supporting effective, transparent and timely decisions.
- Use data, quality assurance and partnership insight to identify priorities, improve practice and strengthen service resilience.
- Work strategically with education, health, social care, providers and families to support SEND improvement, sufficiency and positive outcomes.
28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days. Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover. Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility). Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply) Career development through internal and external training opportunities. Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment... Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
SEND Service Lead (maternity cover up to 12 months fixed term contract) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, a supportive work culture, and a focus on continuous improvement, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful SEND services while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the community and make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Service Lead (maternity cover up to 12 months fixed term contract) in Bracknell
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Service Lead (maternity cover up to 12 months fixed term contract) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Bracknell Forest Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
