At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND operations and ensure high-quality support for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Collaborate with multi-agency teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND processes and strong leadership skills required.
We are seeking an experienced SEND Operations Manager to play a key strategic and operational role in delivering high-quality inclusive provision for children and young people aged 2-16. This is a senior leadership position supporting the delivery of SEND and inclusion strategy across multiple education settings. It is particularly well-suited to individuals with a Local Authority SEND background or those with extensive experience in statutory SEND processes and inclusion leadership. You will work at the centre of a multi-agency system, collaborating with education providers, families, local authority teams, and external professionals to ensure children with SEND receive the right support, at the right time, in line with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Lead and implement SEND operational processes across multiple settings
- Contribute to SEND and inclusion strategy and service improvement
- Drive consistency, quality assurance, and compliance with statutory guidance
- EHCP Oversight & Statutory Processes
- Oversee EHCP caseloads, including referrals, reviews, amendments and consultations
- Ensure statutory timelines and quality standards are met
- Provide professional challenge where processes are not compliant
- Quality Assurance & Improvement
- Develop and implement quality assurance frameworks for EHCPs and SEND provision
- Audit casework and drive continuous improvement across services
- Ensure robust documentation and reporting for internal and external stakeholders
- Multi-Agency Working
- Act as a key liaison with Local Authorities, health and social care professionals
- Represent the organisation at panels, forums, and multi-agency boards
- Build strong partnerships to improve outcomes for children and families
- Complex Case Management
- Support and lead on complex SEND cases, including tribunal preparation
- Provide guidance to leaders and practitioners on statutory SEND processes
- Escalate and resolve issues in line with legal frameworks
- Funding & Resource Management
- Oversee High Needs Funding applications and tracking
- Support effective resource allocation and service commissioning (e.g. SALT, EP, OT)
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience in SEND statutory processes (EHCPs, reviews, tribunals)
- Understands local authority systems, policy, and multi-agency working
- Has led or contributed to SEND/inclusion strategy or service improvement
- Can confidently manage complex caseloads and competing priorities
- Is skilled in quality assurance, audit, and performance monitoring
- Can influence stakeholders and provide professional challenge at a senior level
- Is passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a forward-thinking inclusion strategy across multiple settings
- Work closely with experienced senior leaders in SEND and education
- Opportunity to influence and shape system-wide SEND practice
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support
- Access to wellbeing support, pension scheme, and flexible working options
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory pre-employment screening.
Apply Now
If you are a SEND professional ready to step into (or continue within) a strategic, system-level role, we would love to hear from you.
SEND Operations Manager in Middlesbrough employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join us as a SEND Operations Manager in Middlesbrough, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality inclusive education for children and young people. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture, offering ongoing professional development, flexible working options, and access to wellbeing support, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Operations Manager in Middlesbrough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the SEND community, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s SEND strategies and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to SEND operations. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges in the past and what strategies you’ve implemented to improve outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Operations Manager in Middlesbrough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in SEND statutory processes and multi-agency working. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a SEND Operations Manager, you'll be leading teams and driving strategy. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed complex cases or improved services in the past. We love seeing real examples!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and achievements. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND statutory processes, especially around EHCPs and reviews. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led SEND initiatives or contributed to service improvements in previous roles. Highlighting your strategic thinking and operational leadership will demonstrate that you’re ready for this senior position.
✨Understand Multi-Agency Collaboration
Familiarise yourself with how different agencies work together in the SEND landscape. Be ready to discuss your experience in building partnerships and how you’ve navigated complex cases involving multiple stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as managing a complex case or ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines. Practising your responses will help you articulate your problem-solving skills effectively during the interview.
