At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate SEND services for children and families in Bromley.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on improving lives through education and care.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: High-impact role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in SEN/D and strong knowledge of relevant legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Bromley, Kent (Hybrid)
Rate: £526.56 per day (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-time, Interim/Permanent option (to be confirmed)
We are seeking an experienced Head of Service – SEN to provide strategic leadership for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services within Bromley. This is a senior system leadership role, responsible for driving the SEND vision across education, health, and social care partners, ensuring high-quality, integrated services for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the SEN service and SEND partnership across the local area.
- Develop and deliver strategic SEND priorities in line with national policy and legislation.
- Oversee statutory SEN functions, including assessments, tribunals, and outreach services.
- Drive service improvement through performance management, data analysis, and quality assurance.
- Manage budgets, resources, and commissioned services effectively.
- Lead senior managers and multi-disciplinary teams across the SEN service.
- Strengthen co-production with children, young people, and families.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and deputise for the Director of Education where required.
Requirements
- Significant senior leadership experience within SEN/D or education services.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and national policy frameworks.
- Proven experience managing complex services, budgets, and multi-agency partnerships.
- Experience in service transformation and commissioning.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior professional experience.
- Enhanced DBS required.
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape and improve SEND services across Bromley. Apply today to find out more. For more information contact Natasha Haddon.
Head of SEN employer: LinsCare
As a leading provider of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Bromley, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of our employees and the families we serve. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement, while our hybrid working model offers flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with SEND in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEN
✨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 LinsCare.
✨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 LinsCare!
✨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 LinsCare, 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 LinsCare 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 Head of SEN
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 LinsCare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LinsCare! 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 LinsCare
✨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.
