At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic change in children's education services across Nottingham.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, dedicated to shaping positive futures for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking council that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader driving inclusive education for Nottingham's children and families.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in education leadership and a degree-level qualification.
The predicted salary is between 98388 - 108698 £ per year.
Children’s Education at Nottingham City Council plays a central role in shaping positive futures for children and young people across the city. Our work spans education improvement, inclusion, early years, SEND, and support services, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, equitable outcomes for all.
Leading within this service offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic change, influence city-wide priorities, and work in partnership to create lasting impact. As Director of Children’s Integrated Services (Education), you will be at the forefront of delivering ambitious, inclusive education services that place Nottingham’s children and families at the heart of everything we do.
Nottingham City Council is seeking a visionary senior leader to drive the strategic direction of our Children’s Education Division, putting ‘Citizens at the Heart’ of everything we do. This pivotal role involves translating ambitious visions into clear goals and outcomes that positively impact children and young people across the city.
We are looking for an exceptional education leader with significant experience in statutory education services, schools’ leadership, and education improvement within complex public sector environments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership across diverse education services such as quality improvement, inclusion, SEND, early years, admissions, welfare, and support services.
- Collaborating with Councillors, senior leaders, schools, academy trusts, government bodies, and local partners to create conditions for high-performing, integrated children’s services aligned with Nottingham’s ambitions.
- Acting as the principal advisor to the Council on education strategy, policy, and service delivery.
- Leading the division’s response to the Council’s Recovery & Improvement Plan, ensuring readiness for inspections and future challenges.
- Fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Children’s Education Division.
Leadership Profile
We’re seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking senior leader with substantial experience of leading statutory education services and working closely with schools, academy trusts, and education partners to improve outcomes for children and young people. You’ll bring experience from large, complex organisations, with a proven ability to turn vision into measurable outcomes. You’ve led multi-disciplinary teams, built organisational reputation, and delivered sustainable improvements. Your leadership balances innovation with strong governance, backed by financial insight and creative problem-solving. You’ll inspire high performance, promote accountability, and support wellbeing across teams. With a focus on future workforce planning, you’ll lead change with confidence and adaptability, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaboration is key. You’ll work across sectors, build strong partnerships, and navigate political environments with integrity. Your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will be evident in the services you shape - reflecting the needs of Nottingham’s diverse communities.
You will need:
- Appropriate professional qualification at degree level (QTS/NPQH would be an advantage).
- Leadership and management qualification (such as ILM Level 7) or willingness to work towards this.
- Significant senior leadership experience within statutory education services, schools, or academy leadership, with a strong understanding of the national education landscape and school improvement.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to analyse complex data and solve problems effectively.
Why Join Nottingham City Council?
This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change for children and young people in Nottingham. Join a forward-thinking council that values innovation, collaboration, and putting citizens first. If you are a strategic leader ready to inspire, empower, and deliver inclusive, high-quality education services, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment by an email. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 9th August 2026.
To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact Sarah Nardone. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact us.
Outline of Recruitment Process
- Stage 1 – Technical Interview (via Microsoft Teams). Date: Monday 24th August. This stage will only be scheduled if applicant numbers are high.
- Stage 2 – Stakeholder & CYP Panels. Date: Wednesday 9th September / Thursday 10th September TBC. Stakeholder & Senior CLT Interview (via Microsoft Teams) CYP Panel (in person).
- Stage 3 – ACOS Final Interview (in person). Date: Wednesday 16th September / Friday 18th September TBC.
Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education in Mansfield employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the council provides a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while contributing to the community's welfare.
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We think this is how you could land Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education in Mansfield
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education in Mansfield
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Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Nottingham City Council, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
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Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Nottingham City Council might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
