At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of inclusive education for children and young people in Dudley.
- Company: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, dedicated to improving lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape future generations.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Dudley.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND and a passion for educational transformation.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven professional with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking an exceptional Principal Lead – SEND to play a vital role in shaping the future of education and inclusion across our borough. This is a pivotal position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. With your Associate Director and colleagues, you will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to education inclusion and SEND, ensuring that every child and young person, whatever their needs or background can access high‑quality education, support, and opportunity.
Responsibilities:
- Provide high quality strategic and operational leadership and management to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.
- Lead and manage inclusive teams, fostering high performance and ensuring services are compliant, meet legal, statutory and governance requirements.
- Translate strategic intent into effective and high‑quality operational delivery, either through direct delivery or through robust commissioning arrangements across Education, Health and Social Care and in partnership with relevant services.
- Support the development and delivery of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan and the SEND Improvement Plan, embedding a culture of financial responsibility, a children and family focus and service excellence.
Qualifications:
You will be a strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations; someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands education/SEND legislation, and brings energy, integrity, and ambition. If you are driven to make a real impact for children, families, and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
Equal Opportunities:
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
Strategic SEND Leader for Inclusive Education Transformation in Dudley employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for children and young people in the borough. With a strong commitment to inclusive education, we foster a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from comprehensive support and development programmes. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions celebrated.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic SEND Leader for Inclusive Education Transformation in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the education and SEND sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to showcase your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dudley Council's current initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with their transformation journey and be ready to discuss your strategic approach to inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to hear about your past experiences and how they’ve shaped your leadership style. Use specific examples that highlight your impact on SEND services.
✨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 Strategic SEND Leader for Inclusive Education Transformation in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving the life chances of children and young people shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic leadership in SEND services. We love to see concrete examples of how you've made a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's current initiatives and challenges in inclusive education. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired others or led a transformation. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to foster high performance.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Dudley Council values partnerships, so be ready to talk about how you’ve built strong relationships with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you’ve worked across Education, Health, and Social Care to deliver effective services. Highlighting your collaborative spirit will resonate well.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to SEND services. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges and your strategies for overcoming them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
