At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND services, ensuring high-quality support for children and young people.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to improving lives through education and SEND services.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, impactful work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and empower young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or substantial experience in SEND leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 € per year.
Hackney Council is seeking an experienced and values‑driven SEND Operational Lead to play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality statutory SEND services for children and young people across the borough. This is a senior operational leadership role with responsibility for overseeing the Education, Health and Care (EHC) process, SEND provision and placements, ensuring Hackney meets its statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 while keeping children, young people and their families at the heart of everything we do.
As SEND Operational Lead, you will lead and manage SEND operational services on behalf of the Council, ensuring that processes are effective, compliant and centred around positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
You will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across SEND services, including EHC assessment and planning, provision and placements
- Ensure EHC Needs Assessments are completed on time and that EHC Plans are consistently high quality
- Oversee service performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Work closely with the Head of SEND to ensure children and young people with SEND make good progress towards agreed outcomes
- Lead on complex casework, complaints, member enquiries, tribunals and statutory returns
- Manage significant budgets, ensuring effective use of High Needs funding
- Build strong partnerships with families, schools, health colleagues, commissioners and wider stakeholders, including representation at Pan‑London and national forums
- Lead, support and develop a multi‑disciplinary operational team to deliver excellent services
About you
You will be an experienced senior SEND professional with a strong operational background and a deep understanding of statutory SEND processes. You will bring:
- Qualified to Degree level or to demonstrate substantial level of experience in SEND
- Significant experience working at a senior leadership level across SEND services
- Expert working knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and associated legislation
- Experience of managing complex statutory processes and service performance
- Strong people‑management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop diverse teams
- Confidence working with complex budgets and High Needs funding
- Excellent relationship‑building skills, with experience of working collaboratively with families, education settings, health partners and other stakeholders
- The ability to use performance data and management information to drive service improvement
You’ll also demonstrate Hackney’s leadership qualities, including resilience, credibility, self‑awareness and a strong sense of purpose.
To Apply: Get in touch with Jordan Peat, to apply.
SEND Operational Lead in Slough employer: Connect2Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities they serve. As a SEND Operational Lead, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND in a vibrant borough known for its commitment to education and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operational Lead in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and their SEND services. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to statutory SEND processes and leadership. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise!
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Operational Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the SEND Operational Lead role. We want to see how your background fits with our mission at Hackney Council!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in SEND services.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the legislation but also understand how it impacts the role of SEND Operational Lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in SEND services. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
✨Be Ready for Complex Case Discussions
Expect questions around managing complex casework and statutory processes. Have a few scenarios ready where you navigated tricky situations, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with families and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Budget Management Experience
Since you'll be managing significant budgets, be prepared to discuss your experience with High Needs funding. Share how you've ensured effective use of resources in previous roles and any strategies you've implemented for budget management.
