SEND Children's Service Manager

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families across our vibrant communities. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in our mission to empower young people and help them reach their full potential.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Children’s Service Manager to lead our new Multi-Agency Alternative Education Team. You will support children and young people in Nottinghamshire who are accessing alternative provision and help them work towards returning to school. We are looking for a passionate leader who believes in inclusion and is committed to helping vulnerable children attend school, belong, achieve, and thrive in their local communities. This is initially a temporary post for 12 months, with the potential to become permanent.

As The SEND Children's Service Manager, You Will:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team to deliver high-quality support for children and young people.
• Collaborate with various agencies to create effective pathways for children returning to school.
• Develop and implement strategies that promote inclusion and positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative education provisions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practices in safeguarding and child welfare.

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Need:

• A relevant professional qualification in social work, education, or a related field.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in service delivery, including performance management and resource planning.
• Proven experience in leading change in complex environments and working in multi-agency settings.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to children and families.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Demonstrates:

• Compassionate Leadership: Ability to motivate and guide a team with empathy and understanding.
• Effective Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with children, families, and partners.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Strong analytical skills to interpret complex issues and present solutions.
• Commitment to Inclusion: A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and promoting their well-being.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer:

• A place to belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Work-life balance: Flexible working arrangements to support your well-being.
• Professional growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Generous leave: Competitive annual leave and bank holiday entitlements.
• Community connection: Be part of a team that makes a real impact in the lives of children and families.

If you are ready to make a difference and lead the way for vulnerable children in Nottinghamshire, we want to hear from you! For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Claire Sampson on 07734058585 or by email claire.sampson@nottscc.gov.uk. This post is also available as a secondment opportunity to existing Nottinghamshire County Council employees. You must seek approval from your line manager before applying. Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for. A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.