Head of SEND (Statutory, Specialist & Strategic Partnerships) in Morpeth

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Head of SEND (Statutory, Specialist & Strategic Partnerships)

Job Reference ncc/TP/70/3274/SA

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Working Hours:

37

Location:

Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth

Closing Date:

14/09/2026

Job Category:

Executive / Managerial

Region / Division:

UK Region

Directorate:

Job Introduction

Head of SEND - Statutory, Specialist and Strategic Partnerships

Northumberland County Council is seeking an exceptional leader for this newly refreshed role. Working in collaboration with our schools, settings and multiple partners, the successful candidate will further develop systems, frameworks and relationships to ensure all our children, young people and families who experience special education needs and disabilities have their needs well met in all areas of the county.

The focus for this senior role is to leadonthe statutoryand specialistrequirements of the service, to work with families and carers to understand their needsand withourotherpartners to ensure plans and ambitions are made into a reality and to support our team to have a great working experience deliveringonpriorities and ambitions for the service. The relational practice expectationisveryhigh;you will leadviaco-production todeterminea collective ownership ofour joint working.

The Governments White Paper and Green Consultation Paper are clear about the expectation and direction for Children and Young people to have stronger outcomes, and where this is appropriate to do so attending their local mainstream school. As a result, this post holder will be working very closely with the Head of SEND (Local Inclusion Support Offer) in supporting schools and setting to achieve this challenging ask.

The post holder will be line managed by the Director of Education, SEND and Skills. They will be held to account for and report progress within the Local Area SEND Reform Planto the SEND Local Partnership boards, council governance structures and to the DfE during our termly updates.

As a part of the wider Children's Services Directorate the post holder will work to deliver on all the Council's corporate priorities. As part of the directorate management team, they will work collaboratively and collegiately for all families in Northumberland applying best value for money via effective and efficient services.

In summary, the Head of SEND for Statutory, Specialist and Strategic Partnerships will:

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND standards, assurance and statutory compliance, ensuring full alignment with the SEND Code of Practice
• Oversee high-quality SEND specialist provision across education settings, driving consistency, inclusion and improved outcomes
• Support SENDCo's and other school leaders in achieving shared priorities
• Identify, promote and share inclusive practices that supports targeted and targeted plus interventions for learners
• Lead co production work with our parent carer voice, young people, partners and staff to ensure our approaches are considered, shaped and understood by all
• Develop and maintain the Local Area SEND Partnership across education, health social care and all parent/carer groups, influencing at local, regional and national level
• Drive innovation across the system, reducing inequalities, preventing exclusion and improving life chances for children and young people
• Ensure robust performance frameworks are in place to monitor impact and continuously improve services

About you

• Significant senior leadership experience within SEND and education systems
• Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and it's practical application at strategic and operational level
• Significant experience of co production, working with parent carers, partners and wider voice forum to shape practice, policy and direction
• A strong track record of improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and demonstrable experience delivering on plans and partnerships
• Experience of leading through complexity, driving transformation and developing high-performing teams
• The ability to build, develop and extend effective partnerships across organisations and influence at senior level
• Strong financial and resource management expertise within a public sector context

You will bring strategic insight,resilienceand innovation, with the ability to navigate complexity and deliver meaningful change across a large and diverse system.

Further information

This is a permanent post with a start date to be agreed. Salary is Band 14 £8,3445 - 93,193

This role is based at County Hall, Morpeth, and requires regular on-site attendance, together with a willingness to travel across Northumberland on a regular basis. A blended working approach is supported however our successful candidate will be expected to work in line with the Council's Wo rkSmart principles, which guide how, when and where work is delivered based on organisational need.

Closingdate of advert is 14 th September at noon. Interviews will take place on28 th & 29 th of September 2026.

Why choose us?

Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is 'Land of Great Opportunities', for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

This is a rare opportunity to provide strategic leadership across statutory, specialist andpartnership-basedSEND services, influencing practice and outcomes across the local area partnership.

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

Additional Information For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

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