Head of Service - SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
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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. xgikmsk
Financial & Resource Management
Lead SEND budgets and resource planning.
Ensure effective commissio...
Head of Service - SEND in Heathfield 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.
