Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND services, driving inclusive education for children and young adults in Southwark.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, additional financial benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND settings and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on tackling inequalities and enhancing community well-being.
The predicted salary is between 86652 - 108462 £ per year.
Are you ready to use your expertise to shape SEND services, inspire change and make a positive difference for children and young adults in Southwark? If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking an experienced and ambitious leader who thrives on challenge and embraces opportunities, particularly as we enter a period of national reform.
About The Role
In this key position, you will provide expert leadership across key service areas, driving inclusive education and supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will be leading an experienced, ambitious and successful team, alongside one Assistant Director and three Heads of Service, all who report to the Deputy Director of Children's Services for Learning and Inclusion. We are fully committed to developing our staff and their areas of expertise in a positive and caring working environment.
The Role Involves
- Building strong partnerships with schools, colleges and voluntary organisations.
- Managing a significant budget.
- Optimising service delivery for children and young adults aged 0-25 with SEND.
You will provide leadership across busy service areas, offering expert guidance in inclusive education and the assessment and review of needs for children and young people with SEND. The role also requires forging and maintaining strong and resilient relationships with schools, education settings, colleges and voluntary sector partners to enhance the education and well-being of children and young adults.
About You
This is a high-profile role requiring ambition, energy, drive and innovation. We are looking for a proven leader who knows how to collaborate effectively to achieve the best outcomes. You will have a demonstrable track record in:
- Raising standards in a SEND setting.
- Delivering financial savings.
- Leading SEND Ofsted inspections.
- Communicating clearly and effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
You will report to (and deputise for) the Deputy Director of Children's Services for Learning and Inclusion.
To be considered for an interview, please ensure your cover letter (no more than two A4 pages) clearly outlines how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification.
Contact Information
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Anna Chiva, Assistant Director SEND, by email at.
Additional Information
Salary: £86,652 - £108,462 per annum, plus an additional JNC financial benefits package of £3,503 per annum (pro-rata, April-March).
Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Location: 160 Tooley St, London SE1 2QH.
DBS Level: This post requires a satisfactory basic-level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits And More Information
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 7 December 2025.
Shortlisting date/s: week commencing 8 December 2025.
Interview date/s: week commencing 15 December 2025.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
About Southwark
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark's residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark's communities and the council's staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Assistant Director of SEND in London employer: Local Government Chronicle
Contact Detail:
Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of SEND in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in SEND services. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director of SEND. We want to hear how you can drive change and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Southwark.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of SEND in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Assistant Director of SEND role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see your passion for making a difference in SEND services!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire change and drive results.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with current policies, reforms, and best practices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to driving change in the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in SEND settings. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this role requires strong leadership.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves forging partnerships with schools and organisations, be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Share specific instances where collaboration led to positive outcomes for children and young adults with SEND.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and effectively. You’ll need to communicate with a range of stakeholders, so being able to convey complex ideas simply is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication style.
