At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service to support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to improving education for all children.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and discounts at major retailers.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and excellence in education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEN provision and make a real difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with leadership experience in special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
The Specialist Teaching and Learning Service is a critical provision within Kent County Council’s Children, Young People and Education Directorate which ensures that children and young people with special educational needs have access to high quality teaching and learning. The Specialist Teaching and Learning Service is a dedicated and experienced team who are committed to supporting Kent’s schools to deliver excellent outcomes for children with SEN in Kent’s schools.
We are looking for a qualified teacher with leadership experience in providing specialist teacher support and advice to lead the service through an exciting period in its development. The service recently transitioned from contracts with special schools across Kent into Kent County Council and will soon undergo a redesign of its structure and model to ensure it is ready to meet the needs of the SEND Reform White Paper and Local Government Reorganisation.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service, undertaking varied and challenging work to ensure the service is future‑ready and that teachers are supported to make a difference to their local communities. The successful candidate will lead the redesign of the service, including a review of the service’s core offer, considering wider SEN needs and ensuring the service is aligned with the Experts at Hand guidance.
You will have demonstrable experience of leading and developing SEN provision in your setting and of delivering excellent leadership and management to achieve strategic goals, work effectively with partners and build high‑achieving, resilient teams. The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge and understanding of the operating environment for SEND provision, an understanding of the SEN reform agenda and the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service and will drive the service to achieve sustainable improvements and outstanding results.
Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working and agile hours. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer‑facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
Key Dates: Closing date for applications is 10th July. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on 13th July to be invited for interview. Interviews will take place on Friday 17th July at Sessions House in Maidstone. The successful candidate will be required for September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Location: Sessions House, Maidstone, United Kingdom
Head of Service Specialist Teaching and Learning Service in Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a dedicated team that strives for excellence in education. Join us at Sessions House in Maidstone, where your leadership will help shape the future of our Specialist Teaching and Learning Service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Specialist Teaching and Learning Service in Maidstone
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Specialist Teaching and Learning Service in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Kent County Council, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Kent County Council and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Kent County Council might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Kent County Council.
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Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
