At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the SEND service, ensuring outstanding support for children and young people with disabilities.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to inclusive education and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 26+ days holiday, pension, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while shaping SEND services.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in SEND or related fields, understanding of relevant legislation, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 81796 - 81796 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of £81,796 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week. It is a fixed‑term contract to August 2027, with the possibility of the role becoming permanent subject to review and funding. We are excited to be hiring a second Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to join our fantastic Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service. The role is based in Woking and is open to hybrid working. As a team we split our time between working from home and collaborating in the office for a minimum of two days per week. In addition, we aim for visits to schools and settings to take place on a regular basis as we continue to build upon our collaborative working with them. You must be able to visit schools and settings with very little notice should the need arise.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About The Team
At Surrey we are committed to ensuring that all children and young people with SEND receive an outstanding service, and we are well on our journey towards offering this. We encourage our SEND and Inclusion Services to work closely and collaboratively in affecting timely and purposeful casework that ensures the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Relational and restorative working practices underpin all our practice with stakeholders, partners, clients and customers.
About The Role
This role will be the service lead for:
- Complaint prevention strategy and improved responses to parents and carers, with a particular focus on the required operational work, in close collaboration with the service manager for customer complaints and resolutions
- Annual Review recovery
- Workforce strategy, recruitment and retention, working closely with the Service Manager for SEND Operations
- Strengthen communication, quality assurance and stakeholder confidence
- Transitions to adulthood operational service lead
With the existing Head of SEND you will share oversight of:
- NEET recovery work
- Co‑lead the SEND service through LGR
- Support design and implementation of new service models for East/West SEND operational decision making following MATD meetings
- Decision makers for Request to Issue
- Input into SEND reform plans
- LGR planning at service manager level
You will also operationally lead on the following aspects of the SEND Service work:
- West school relationships development work
- Management of the West Area SEND Managers
- Oversight of improvements in Annual Review timeliness in the West
- Staff training webinar and bulletin development
You will work with colleagues across the county council and directorate, as well as partner organisations and stakeholders such as councillors, headteachers and parent and voluntary organisations to plan, lead and review the delivery of these statutory duties. You will be responsible for ensuring that partner agencies are appraised of changes to demand for EHCPs and provision and the impact upon their organisations. This role requires effective prioritisation of competing pressures and management of inter‑dependencies including oversight of and mitigations for any risks and issues arising. Attached to this role is a high‑cost decision making function and shared oversight of an establishment of over 200 staff. This role will carry a high political profile and will require you to use your strong dispute resolution skills to manage situations sensitively. You will deputise for the Assistant Director for SEND when required to ensure continuity of service.
Skills
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following experience and skills and align with our behaviours:
- Understanding of the Childrens and Families Act and how this applies to the work of the SEND teams in the delivery of the ECHNA process, Annual Reviews and Key Stage Transfer
- Evidence of leadership within SEND (or linked service)
- Understanding of the needs of Families, Young People and Schools
- Awareness of local and national pressures impacting SEND
- Understanding of the value of relational working
- Ability to regularly visit schools and settings, including with little notice
The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 16th of June 2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Organisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Re‑organisation, moving from a two‑tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Head of SEND in Woking employer: Local Government Chronicle
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for the Head of SEND role in Woking. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND. Our hybrid working model fosters collaboration while allowing flexibility, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government Chronicle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND community, whether it's through LinkedIn or local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Head of SEND. We suggest practising your responses to common questions and even some scenario-based ones that might come up during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for SEND! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND. We want to see that fire in your belly and your commitment to improving outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of SEND role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading the SEND service, be sure to provide examples of your leadership experience in SEND or related fields. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of SEND:It's crucial to show that you understand the needs of families, young people, and schools within the SEND framework. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of the Children's and Families Act and its implications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Children and Families Act and how it relates to the SEND teams. Familiarise yourself with the ECHNA process, Annual Reviews, and Key Stage Transfers. This knowledge will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your leadership experience within SEND or related services. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or project, especially in challenging situations. This will help demonstrate your capability to manage the high-profile responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Scenarios
Since the role involves visiting schools with little notice, be prepared to discuss how you would handle unexpected situations. Think of examples where you've had to adapt quickly and maintain effective communication with stakeholders. This will highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the current local and national pressures impacting SEND. Be ready to discuss how these factors influence your approach to leadership and service delivery. Showing that you’re aware of the broader context will impress interviewers and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
