At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the EHCP Team to ensure effective support for children and young people.
- Company: Join a dynamic Children's Services team focused on inclusion and positive outcomes.
- Benefits: Be part of significant national reforms and make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND services and drive meaningful change for families.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and knowledge of SEND legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Service
The SEND and Educational Inclusion Service sits within Learning and Inclusion in Children's Services and brings together the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Team, Access to Education and Alternative Provision.
Our teams work collaboratively with children, young people, families, schools, health and social care partners to ensure children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, to achieve positive outcomes and thrive.
The Role
This is an exciting strategic leadership opportunity within Children's Services.
As Strategic Lead - SEND, you will lead and develop the EHCP Team, ensuring the local authority meets its statutory SEND responsibilities whilst driving continuous improvement, service transformation and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Working closely with the Head of SEND & Education Inclusion, you will help shape the future direction of SEND services across Kirklees, leading partnership working across education, health and social care and supporting the implementation of national SEND reforms.
As part of this role you will
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the EHCP Team.
- Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, statutory guidance and case law.
- Lead service improvement to enhance quality, performance and outcomes.
- Oversee statutory decision-making relating to EHC needs assessments and plans.
- Develop strong partnerships across education, health and social care.
- Use performance data and intelligence to inform planning and drive improvement.
- Lead, support and develop managers and staff.
- Support SEND inspection readiness and improvement activity.
- Lead on complaints, mediation and tribunal preparation.
- Champion co‑production with children, young people, families and parent carer forums.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious leadership team at a time of significant national reform, helping to shape and deliver high-quality SEND services that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Kirklees
- Suggested date for interviews is w/c 10th August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic Lead - SEND in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and the community. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students, this role as a Pastoral Wellbeing & Policy Coordinator offers a rewarding experience in a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a strong sense of community and the potential for a permanent position after the initial contract.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead - SEND in Huddersfield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kirklees Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kirklees Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kirklees Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kirklees Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead - SEND in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kirklees Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
