Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead) in Manchester

Help Shape the Future of SEND Inclusion in Manchester. Manchester is on an ambitious journey to transform outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As a UNICEF Child Friendly City and an Outstanding Children's Services authority, Manchester has a strong track record of innovation, partnership working and inclusion. Over the last three years we have proudly led the North West SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme on behalf of the Department for Education, helping to test and shape the future reforms that will create a more inclusive system for children and families.

Manchester is recognised nationally for our innovative approach to SEND and inclusion, our strong local partnerships and our commitment to co-production with children, young people and families. This is an exciting opportunity to join Manchester's senior education leadership team at a pivotal moment. As our Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead), you will play a strategic role in delivering our Local SEND Reform Plan and helping to build a system where children and young people receive support that is: Early. Local. Fair. Effective. Shared.

You will lead work with schools, settings, trusts and partner agencies to strengthen inclusion across Manchester, ensuring more children and young people can thrive within their local communities and have their needs met without unnecessary escalation to statutory processes. Our vision is simple but ambitious: "For children to live in a place they call home, with people and things they love, in communities that look out for them, doing things that matter."

As SEND Inclusion Lead, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND quality assurance, school improvement and inclusion across Manchester. Working within the School Quality Assurance and SEND Service, you will:

• Lead and develop Manchester's approach to inclusive practice across schools and settings.
• Drive implementation of the Local SEND Reform Plan and Manchester Inclusion Strategy.
• Support schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through high support and high challenge.
• Lead quality assurance of SEND across educational settings.
• Work with Multi-Academy Trusts, maintained schools and partners to strengthen inclusive cultures and behaviours.
• Support the development of Manchester's innovative Experts at Hand model, bringing specialist expertise closer to schools and families.
• Use data, intelligence and evaluation to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to city-wide strategies designed to improve attendance, reduce exclusions and increase participation for children and young people with SEND.
• Work collaboratively across education, health, social care and family hubs to deliver lasting system change.

We are looking for an inspiring and credible leader who:

• Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Has substantial senior leadership experience within SEND/Inclusion.
• Holds Qualified Teacher Status or other professional qualification relevant to SEND.
• Has a strong track record of delivering significant strategic improvement.
• Has in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with Local Area SEND and the SEND Reforms.
• Has experience of leading strategically across partnerships.
• Can build strong relationships while providing effective support and challenge, influencing and inspiring partners to drive improvement.
• Shares Manchester's commitment to co-production, equity and inclusion.

If you want to influence policy, shape practice and help create one of the most inclusive education systems in the country and make a lasting difference to the lives of Manchester's children, young people and families, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 13th September 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 28th September 2026

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone.

Benefits we offer:

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service.
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave.
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave.
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles.
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions.
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Employee discounts and perks.
• Good Employment Charter member.

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel's minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• 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 condition.
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email specialistrecruitment@manchester.gov.uk.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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