Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage SEND Tribunal appeals and improve outcomes for children with special needs.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to supporting children and young people.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of SEN legislation and experience in leading teams.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want a challenging and rewarding role with real opportunities to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? We have an excellent opportunity for a SEND Tribunal Manager to lead the local authority's response to SEND Tribunal appeals, working closely with assessment, casework and the wider SEN service to ensure decisions are lawful, evidence-based and defensible. This is a specialist role requiring strong knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and Tribunal processes, alongside the leadership skills to manage a team.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team ensuring appeals are managed efficiently, evidence is of a high quality, and statutory deadlines are consistently met.
- Provide professional oversight of complex and high-risk cases; support officers in decision-making and represent the local authority at Tribunal hearings where appropriate.
- Maintain close liaison with schools, other partners and parents/carers, and engage constructively with them throughout the appeal process.
- Work as part of an experienced senior leadership team, influencing service development, improving systems and strengthening Kent's Tribunal practice.
- Represent the council in a customer-facing role, complying with Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and the Council's standard for spoken English.
- Deliver the post on a hybrid schedule, expected to work at least two days per week from a local office and attend meetings across Kent.
- Submit a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent understanding of SEN legislation, specifically the SEN Code of Practice (2014), Children and Family Act (2014) and Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and their application within Kent.
- Comprehensive knowledge and best practice guidance relating to Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post 16 education.
- Experience leading and developing staff in a complex, high-volume environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to present clear, balanced and evidence-based arguments, and to manage competing pressures while maintaining accuracy, consistency and professionalism.
- Confidence in using data and performance information to monitor trends, identify risks and support service improvement.
Working Hours & Location
This is a county-wide role. The post is currently delivered on a hybrid pattern with an expectation of working at least two days per week from a local office, and attending Tribunal hearings and partner meetings across Kent. The working pattern may change in line with service needs and organisational requirements.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
KCC is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the county’s residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities. We aspire to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Application Note
Please apply soon, as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
SEND Tribunal Manager in Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Tribunal Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND sector on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND legislation and tribunal processes. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and handling complex cases. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Tribunal Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you brush up on the SEN Code of Practice and Tribunal processes. We want to see that you really understand the ins and outs of SEND legislation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge in your application!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading a team, so highlight your experience in managing staff and handling complex cases. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support their team, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured arguments and evidence-based reasoning, so make sure your communication skills shine through in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your SEN Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEN Code of Practice, Children and Family Act, and Disability Discrimination Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework and can apply it effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in managing complex cases and how you supported your team in decision-making. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would maintain relationships with schools, parents, and other partners during the appeal process. Be ready to discuss strategies for constructive engagement and how you would handle any challenges that arise.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to monitor trends and support service improvements. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to inform decisions or improve outcomes in previous roles.