At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic direction for SEND services and ensure inclusive education for all children.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, committed to transforming services for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a brighter future for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and impact the lives of young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Expert knowledge of SEND legislation and proven leadership experience in statutory SEND teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Cheshire East we’re offering a rare opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a system in transformation and to play a defining role in the next chapter for children and families in Cheshire East as we build something special, to last.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Service – SEND, based at Delamere House, Crewe. This role provides strategic leadership, vision and accountability for the council’s statutory SEND assessment, planning and annual review functions, shaping the local area’s approach to inclusion for children and young people aged 0–25. It is central to delivering the council’s ambition that every child and young person can achieve, participate and thrive within an inclusive education system.
Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for SEND assessment, planning and review across the local area.
- Translate legislation and national policy into a clear local operating model with measurable outcomes, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and the Education strategy.
- Own the performance and quality strategy for the EHC pathway, including key performance indicators, audits, moderation, feedback loops and continuous improvement cycles.
- Ensure reliable statutory returns and inspection‑ready evidence; lead SEND assessment governance to make risks and mitigations visible and managed.
- Lead SEND assessment preparation for Ofsted/CQC local area SEND activity, ensuring the local authority’s self‑evaluation, improvement plans and evidence base are current and impact‑focused.
- Lead on the establishment of systematic reporting processes, providing regular reports and synopses on key work streams to Senior Management, relevant Council forums and other bodies as required.
Qualifications
- Expert knowledge of Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Proven track record of leading statutory SEND teams at scale and delivering measurable improvements in timeliness, quality and sustaining legal compliance.
- Experience supervising, training and developing staff, and managing prioritisation of work programmes.
- Experience in strategy setting, complex change, digital transformation, performance and quality frameworks, and inspection readiness.
- High‑level partnership skills across education, health and social care, and experience co‑producing work with families and young people.
- Strong skills in chairing panels, strategic planning, quality assurance and data‑led performance.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to brief, challenge and persuade at pace, and confident in handling complex and sensitive matters including tribunals and complaints.
- Ability to converse at ease with stakeholders, providing advice in accurate spoken English.
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future – together.
Head of Service - SEND in Crewe employer: Cheshire East
Cheshire East is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact the lives of children and families in the community. With a strong commitment to inclusion and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values diversity and collaboration, alongside opportunities for strategic leadership and meaningful contributions to local education systems. Located in Crewe, the role provides a chance to shape the future of SEND services while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - SEND in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around SEND and inclusion. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve driven change in previous roles – that’s what will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - SEND in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Service - SEND role. Highlight your experience with SEND legislation and your strategic leadership skills, as these are key to making a strong impression.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to Cheshire East.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for inclusive education shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 shape the future for children and families in Cheshire East.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire East
✨Know Your Legislation Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations, and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework and can translate it into effective local strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've led statutory SEND teams and delivered measurable improvements. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in terms of timeliness and quality of service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision
Think about how you would set the strategic direction for SEND assessment and planning. Be ready to discuss your ideas on aligning local operations with corporate priorities and how you would measure success through key performance indicators.
✨Prepare for Complex Conversations
Since this role involves handling sensitive matters, practice discussing complex issues clearly and confidently. Be prepared to talk about your experience with tribunals and complaints, and how you’ve effectively communicated with various stakeholders.
