Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead assessments and ensure children with special needs get timely support.
  • Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, dedicated to community care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while shaping inclusive education.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of SEND legislation and proven leadership skills required.
  • Other info: This role involves an Enhanced DBS check and values diversity in applicants.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs. As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support and resources they need.

Working Style: You will be based in the Borough for three days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you are working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you will be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.

What you will be doing: In this role, you will be improving outcomes for children with special educational needs by making sure they get the right support at the right time. You will lead on assessments and fair resource allocation, helping every child have the opportunity to go to a great school with the help they need to learn. You will also work closely with school leaders, offering expert advice and building strong relationships to support inclusive, responsive education across the borough.

You will be there to help families too, making sure their voices are heard and that any disagreements are handled fairly and transparently. Whether it is overseeing appeals or making sure processes are clear and respectful, you will play a key role in building trust. At the same time, you will be leading and coaching a dedicated team, creating a positive and supportive space where everyone can do their best work.

Looking ahead, you will have a big part to play in shaping the future of our SEN services. You will be involved in driving improvements and helping to bring a new strategy to life from September 2025, making sure our support for children, families, and schools continues to grow and evolve with their needs.

What you will bring: We are looking for a leader who truly cares about inclusion and wants to make a real difference. To be high performing in this role, you will need a strong understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with a solid grasp of the key legislation, like the Children and Families Act 2014, the Education Act 1996, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. Just as important is your commitment to making families feel respected, involved, and valued every step of the way.

You should have a proven track record of improving services, paired with the leadership skills to inspire and support those around you. This role needs someone who is not only driven and people-focused but also resilient - able to stay steady and positive when things get tough.

Why join us? At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to make a real difference. You will be supporting children and families in a way that makes them feel heard, respected, and properly cared for. You will be part of a supportive, experienced team that genuinely cares about the work, and we work closely with families and our local parent carer forum to keep improving. It’s a place where your voice matters and your impact is felt.

We are serious about development and will support you to grow in your role. Plus, with a flexible work pattern - three days a week at schools and our offices - you will have the balance you need to do your best work.

About us: Here at RBKC, we are all in, and as Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution, you will be at the heart of our commitment to building a fairer borough. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring that every child has a great childhood, a fairer future, and that families feel heard and supported. Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

Interview Details and Role Requirements: Interviews will be held on Friday 13th June. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.

Ready to join us? We are all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we would love to hear from you. Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants. We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with flexible working arrangements. Join us in a vibrant community where your contributions are valued, and together, we can shape a fairer future for all families.
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Contact Detail:

ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key legislation related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), such as the Children and Families Act 2014. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of SEN, especially those who work within local councils or educational settings. Building relationships can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations when applying.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully improved services in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and support a team in a challenging environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's current SEN services and any recent initiatives they have implemented. Showing that you are informed about their work will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

Strong understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Knowledge of key legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014
Familiarity with the Education Act 1996
Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice 2015
Leadership skills to inspire and support a team
Proven track record of improving services
Excellent communication skills for engaging with families and school leaders
Ability to handle disagreements fairly and transparently
Commitment to inclusion and respect for families
Resilience in challenging situations
Strong relationship-building skills
Project management skills for driving improvements and strategy implementation
Empathy and understanding of the needs of children and families
Adaptability to evolving needs within the community

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution position, so you can tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Provide specific examples of how you've improved services or supported families in similar roles, showcasing your leadership skills and commitment to inclusion.

Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation: Make sure to mention your understanding of relevant legislation such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. This will show that you are well-informed and capable of navigating the legal framework surrounding SEN.

Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring team at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council. Use a friendly yet professional tone, and express your passion for making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs and their families.

How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of the Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution. Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation, such as the Children and Families Act 2014, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in improving services for children with special educational needs. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and supported teams in the past, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion

During the interview, express your passion for inclusion and how you plan to ensure that families feel respected and involved. Share specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that align with this commitment.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle disagreements fairly. Think about past experiences where you've navigated complex situations and be prepared to discuss how you would approach similar challenges in this role.

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
R
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