At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform SEND services to support children and young people effectively.
- Company: Forward-thinking Local Authority committed to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in SEND leadership and knowledge of relevant legislation.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Remote Working Available
Contract: Full-Time | Interim
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Service - SEND to provide strategic leadership across Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services within a forward-thinking Local Authority. Reporting to the Director of Education or Assistant Director for Inclusion, you will lead the delivery of statutory SEND services, drive transformational change, and ensure that children and young people with SEND receive high-quality support that enables them to achieve positive outcomes. This is a senior leadership role requiring substantial experience of SEND legislation, service improvement, inspection readiness, and partnership working across education, health and social care.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for the Local Authority's SEND service.
- Lead the development and implementation of the SEND Strategy and Improvement Plan.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and high performance.
- Ensure services are fully compliant with statutory responsibilities and national legislation.
- Operational Management
- Oversee the delivery of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), SEND Tribunals, Mediation and Casework Services.
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, including SEND Managers, Team Managers and Operational Leads.
- Monitor service performance and ensure statutory timescales and quality standards are achieved.
- Manage complex and high-profile cases, complaints and escalations.
- Ofsted & CQC Readiness
- Lead preparation for Ofsted and CQC Area SEND inspections.
- Oversee implementation of inspection findings and improvement actions.
- Ensure robust quality assurance frameworks are in place.
- Drive improvements in outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop strong relationships with schools, academies, parent carer forums, health partners and social care services.
- Represent the Local Authority at regional and national SEND forums.
- Provide strategic advice to elected members, senior leaders and partnership boards.
- Champion co-production with children, young people and families.
- Financial & Resource Management
- Lead SEND budgets and resource planning.
- Ensure effective commissioning and deployment of SEND provision.
- Identify efficiencies while maintaining service quality and statutory compliance.
- Contribute to High Needs Block planning and sustainability.
Essential Requirements
- Significant senior leadership experience within a Local Authority SEND service.
- Extensive knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and associated legislation.
- Proven experience leading large-scale SEND improvement programmes.
- Track record of improving performance against EHCP statutory timescales and quality measures.
- Experience leading preparation for Ofsted/CQC inspections.
- Strong understanding of SEND Tribunals, mediation and dispute resolution.
- Experience managing substantial budgets and complex services.
- Excellent stakeholder management, leadership and influencing skills.
Desirable Requirements
- Relevant leadership or management qualification.
- Experience in education, social care or wider children's services leadership.
- Experience leading services through significant organisational change.
- Knowledge of commissioning, alternative provision and inclusion strategies.
Head of Service - SEND employer: Eden Brown Synergy
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As part of the Independent Living Service, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact in the community. With competitive pay rates and a commitment to quality assurance, this role provides a rewarding environment for professional growth in a vibrant local authority setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - SEND
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Eden Brown Synergy, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Eden Brown Synergy and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - SEND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Eden Brown Synergy and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Brown Synergy
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Eden Brown Synergy, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Eden Brown Synergy.
