At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance Special Educational Needs services for better outcomes.
- Company: Local authority focused on inclusive education and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: 3-month contract with flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and impact children's lives positively.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in education, health, or social care required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
3-month contract role with a local authority focused on providing high-quality strategic and operational leadership for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) service and the broader SEND partnership. The role is crucial in developing and delivering an integrated, inclusive SEND strategy that aligns with local priorities, national legislation, and best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and user‑focused SEND services to improve outcomes and ensure children's safety and wellbeing.
- Develop and implement SEND strategic vision, policies, and priorities in accordance with national reforms (e.g., SEND Review 2022) and local improvement plans.
- Utilize data, performance metrics, and intelligence to drive service improvement, quality assurance, and compliance with statutory standards.
- Provide expert advice and reports to the Director of Education, Senior Leadership Team, and elected members.
- Lead integrated working across education, health, and social care, including joint commissioning and partnership frameworks.
Requirements:
Essential Experience Required:
- Proven leadership of complex services with multiple teams.
- Experience working collaboratively with partners to improve service outcomes.
- Demonstrated success in managing significant budgets and resources.
- Experience in commissioning and managing external service delivery.
Essential Qualifications Required:
- Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent experience) in education, health, or social care.
- Evidence of recent and relevant professional development in SEND.
Additional Information:
- Working hours: 36 hours per week.
- Enhanced DBS check required.
- Minimum of two days in the Bromley office at Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS, United Kingdom.
- Bi‑weekly work schedule.
- The role closes on 3rd July 2026.
Head of SEN in London employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEN in London
✨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 Head of SEN in London
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 Civic Recruitment Limited
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited 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.
