At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage school placements and build relationships with Local Authorities to support SEND students.
- Company: Dynamic educational organisation focused on SEND provision across multiple locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to ethical and child-centred decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of SEND students and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND education and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Reporting to: Lead Executive Head teacher
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 PA
Location: Across all school sites, primarily Harrow-based.
Contract: Permanent (52 weeks)
Role Purpose
The Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager will oversee the referral, assessment, and placement coordination process across the group’s SEND schools. The role is designed to strengthen relationships with Local Authorities, improve referral conversion rates, support families through the admissions journey, and ensure a professional, responsive, and organised placements process from initial referral through to pupil transition. This is not a traditional sales role. The successful candidate will act as a trusted liaison between Local Authorities, families, and schools, ensuring that placements are handled efficiently, ethically, and in line with pupils’ needs and the schools’ specialist provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Local Authority Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with SEND case officers, commissioning teams, SEN managers, and associated professionals across Local Authorities.
- Act as a primary point of contact for placement discussions and referral coordination.
- Attend Local Authority meetings, commissioning discussions, consultations, and networking events where appropriate.
- Build long‑term strategic relationships with boroughs to support sustainable referral pathways.
- Referral & Placement Coordination
- Oversee the end‑to‑end referral pipeline across the group’s schools.
- Ensure referrals are responded to promptly and professionally.
- Coordinate assessments, school visits, parent meetings, and transition planning.
- Liaise with school leadership teams regarding suitability and placement decisions.
- Track all referrals from enquiry through to placement outcome.
- Ensure accurate records and reporting are maintained.
- Family & Stakeholder Liaison
- Support families throughout the consultation and admissions process.
- Coordinate communication between parents, schools, and Local Authorities.
- Ensure families feel informed, supported, and confident during transition planning.
- Assist in resolving concerns or barriers affecting placements.
- Data, Reporting & Analysis
- Monitor referral trends, conversion rates, occupancy forecasting, and commissioning activity.
- Produce regular management reports covering referral numbers, conversion rates, placement outcomes, reasons for lost placements, borough activity, fee sensitivity trends, and transport/distance challenges.
- Identify operational or strategic improvements to enhance placement conversion and occupancy levels.
- Commercial & Strategic Support
- Work with leadership teams to identify opportunities for improved Local Authority engagement.
- Support discussions around placement structures and fee positioning where appropriate.
- Assist with market intelligence relating to SEND commissioning trends and local demand.
- Contribute to strategic occupancy planning across the school group.
- Transition & Placement Quality
- Ensure placements are suitable, realistic, and aligned with the school’s specialist provision.
- Coordinate smooth pupil transitions into school settings.
- Support strong communication between education, therapy, pastoral, and family stakeholders.
- Promote long‑term placement stability and positive outcomes for pupils.
Person Specification – Essential Experience
- Experience working within SEND education, Local Authority SEND services, commissioning, or school admissions.
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes and SEND placement pathways.
- Experience liaising with Local Authorities and multi‑agency professionals.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple referrals and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong relationship‑building capability.
- High levels of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience within Local Authority SEND teams, independent specialist schools, SEND commissioning, SEN case management, or school leadership/SENCO roles.
- Knowledge of London borough commissioning processes.
- Experience using CRM or referral tracking systems.
- Understanding of occupancy management and school growth planning.
Personal Qualities
- Relationship‑driven rather than sales‑driven.
- Calm, credible, and solutions‑focused.
- Highly organised and detail‑oriented.
- Professional and collaborative approach.
- Able to build trust with Local Authorities and families alike.
- Ethical and child‑centred in decision‑making.
- Commercially aware without compromising educational integrity.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Referral response times
- Referral‑to‑assessment conversion rate
- Assessment‑to‑Placement conversion rate
- Occupancy levels across schools
- Parent and Local Authority feedback
- Placement stability and retention
- Accuracy and quality of reporting data
- Growth in repeat Local Authority referrals
Salary
Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus potential performance‑related bonus structure linked to occupancy and placement outcomes.
Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager in Harrow employer: SEND Recruitment
As a Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises the needs of students and families. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth while working closely with Local Authorities to enhance educational pathways. Located primarily in Harrow, our schools foster a culture of inclusivity and excellence, making it an ideal place for those passionate about SEND education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local authority meetings and events to meet key players in the SEND sector. Building relationships with case officers and commissioning teams can give you an edge when it comes to securing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your outreach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to schools and local authorities directly, expressing your interest in potential opportunities. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with EHCP processes and your understanding of SEND pathways. This will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of pupils and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Local Authority Partnerships & School Placements Manager role. Highlight your experience in SEND education and relationship management, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your organisational and communication skills shine through. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully managed multiple referrals or built strong relationships with Local Authorities.
Be Professional and Personable:Remember, this role is all about building trust and maintaining relationships. Let your personality come through in your application while keeping it professional. We love candidates who can balance both!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SEND Recruitment
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education. Understand the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes and how they relate to placements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role is all about relationship management, try to connect with professionals in Local Authorities or SEND services before your interview. This could give you insights into their needs and expectations, which you can reference during your conversation. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing multiple referrals or resolving conflicts between families and schools. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisational abilities, so be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and priorities. You might want to bring along a sample of how you track referrals or manage communication with stakeholders. Demonstrating your organisational skills can set you apart from other candidates.
