SEND Team Manager | Inclusion Service | Full Time in Burnley

The Lancashire SEND Service is currently recruiting to a number of new and existing roles following a service redesign aimed at strengthening capacity and improving support for children and young people with SEND. This has created additional posts across teams resulting in more opportunity to join the team. This period of growth is a positive and intentional step toward building a skilled, resilient and high‐performing service. We are looking for motivated, committed individuals who are ready to contribute to our improvement journey and make a real difference to families across Lancashire.

As a key leader within the Inclusion Service, you will oversee the operational delivery of SEND casework across a dedicated team. You will provide direction, supervision and professional guidance, ensuring that statutory responsibilities are met under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Your work will span performance monitoring, quality assurance, resource oversight and the development of effective working practices. You will support Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes, chair decision‐making panels, strengthen partnership working and promote inclusive education across Lancashire.

You will play an active role in service development, workforce improvement and strategic initiatives, using feedback and data to drive continuous improvement. Above all, you will ensure that children, young people and their families remain at the heart of every decision we make. This is a role for a confident, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast‐paced environment where their work has clear and meaningful impact.

You will bring significant experience working with children, young people and families — ideally including SEND — alongside strong leadership skills developed through managing teams, projects or complex workloads. You will have an excellent understanding of SEND legislation, statutory responsibilities and the operational demands of a local authority setting.

As a leader, you are values‐driven, confident in motivating staff and skilled at navigating competing priorities. You can analyse information, use data effectively and maintain high standards of accuracy, consistency and compliance. You communicate clearly, build strong partnerships and bring a solution‐focused approach to your work. Above all, you are committed to inclusive practice, continuous improvement and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

A degree‐level qualification or equivalent experience is required. This is an essential car user post and you must be able to provide a vehicle insured for business use.

We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. You will receive 26 days' annual leave (rising to 32 with service), 10 bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave. You will also benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of staff discounts and salary‐sacrifice benefits.

You will receive a supportive induction, ongoing CPD, opportunities for professional qualifications and clear routes for progression. Reflective practice, regular supervision and strong peer networks are all part of how we work. We are committed to your ongoing professional development and leadership growth.

We celebrate diversity, value flexible working and promote a culture where staff feel trusted, supported and empowered. Your ideas, strengths and contributions will help shape a service that is continually improving and evolving to meet the needs of our communities.

Please use your application to show how you meet the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification. Attach your supporting statement and resume. We are excited to welcome a leader who shares our ambition and commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026

Interviews: TBC

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.