SEND Team Manager | Inclusion Central Lancashire | County Hall Preston | Full time

We are transforming our Inclusion and SEND services here in Lancashire. Part of this initiative means expanding our workforce with passionate, skilled people who can help deliver the best possible support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those in alternative provision, and their families.

Lancashire County Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Team Manager to lead our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team within the Inclusion Service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs across Lancashire.

• Leadership & Management: Oversee a team of up to 12 officers, ensuring effective identification and provision for children and young people with SEND in line with the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Collaboration: Work closely with children, young people, their families, schools, and other educational providers to promote inclusive practices and maximise outcomes.
• Quality Assurance: Develop and implement systems for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and quality standards.
• Resource Management: Ensure the efficient use of public resources and support the implementation of developmental projects aligned with local priorities.
• Training & Support: Provide guidance and training to education providers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

• A graduate or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in managing teams or projects, particularly in educational settings.
• Strong knowledge of legislation and guidance related to SEND, including the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrable problem-solving abilities and a flexible approach to changing circumstances.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

• Benefits: There’s fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work life balance you’ll love; 26 days annual leave, rising to 32 days with tenure plus 10 statutory/bank holidays and an additional 20 days that can be purchased too. An Employee Assistance Programme for your family and yourself plus a generous Local Authority Pension available. Finally, we have an enviable employee benefits platform which provides numerous discounts from your weekly shop to holidays and entertainment with salary sacrifice options on electronics, bicycles, white goods, and cars.
• Development: We’ll provide support and development at each stage of your journey with us from induction through to personal and professional qualifications. There will be opportunities for career progression both vertically but also into other areas of the organisation if you wish. They’ll be time for reflection and interaction with your line manager, as well as peer support from those within the wider team.
• Inclusivity: We don’t have a "one size fits all" idealism, we embrace diversity and that includes around personal and family requirements so appreciate that you’ll want to be working from home when you can, your hours may vary or change and for us – delivering successful outcomes is more important than watching the clock.

How To Apply: You should demonstrate in your application how you meet each of the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification. Please feel free to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat – contact Grace Westwood on email grace.westwood@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange a call.

Closing Date: 13th July 2025 Interviews: 29th & 30th July

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

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.

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.