SEN Team Leader

We are seeking a highly motivated SEN Team Leader to join our established SEN Team. This is an exciting time to join us as we prepare for national SEND reforms and continue to strengthen inclusive practice across the city. This is a part time role working 14.8 hours per week.

About the Role

As SEN Team Leader, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the Local Authority delivers its statutory responsibilities relating to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments, plans, annual reviews and specialist placements for children and young people aged 0 to 25. Working closely with the SEN Service Manager, you will oversee a team of SEND Advisers and SEN Caseworkers, providing leadership, guidance and quality assurance across a complex and varied caseload. You will:

• Lead and supervise statutory SEND casework and EHC processes.
• Ensure EHC needs assessments, plans and annual reviews are completed to a high standard and within statutory timescales.
• Manage complex cases, complaints, mediation and tribunal‑related work.
• Build effective relationships with families, schools, colleges, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Contribute to strategic SEND developments, service improvement initiatives and preparation for national reforms.
• Support staff development, wellbeing and performance within a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Represent the Local Authority at multi‑agency panels, professional meetings and strategic forums.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for someone with substantial SEND experience and a thorough understanding of statutory SEND processes. You will have:

• A relevant Level 5 qualification or significant equivalent experience in education, health, social care or SEND.
• Detailed knowledge of SEND legislation and Local Authority duties relating to EHC assessments and plans.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families with SEND or managing complex SEND casework.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outcomes under pressure.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a range of professionals and partner organisations.
• Competence in Microsoft 365 and case management systems.
• Experience of line management, quality assurance, SEND tribunal processes or service improvement projects would be advantageous.

Hybrid Working Arrangements: You will be required to work in the office for part of the working week in line with service needs and council policy.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sharon Willis - Sharon.Willis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Interviews will be held on Monday 21st September 2026.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people‑focused. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. We strongly encourage candidates to add all Career and Education History to their application, as CVs are not reviewed as part of the shortlisting process. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under our corporate commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Please note: We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

Safeguarding

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.