At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform SEND services for children and young people aged 0–25.
- Company: A forward-thinking local authority committed to improving educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive leadership environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on meaningful system-wide change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families during a pivotal reform period.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in SEND or children's services required.
The predicted salary is between 63280 - 75805 £ per year.
A South East local authority is seeking an experienced and credible senior leader to head up its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service during a key period of reform and transformation. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering statutory SEND services, driving improvement, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for children and young people aged 0–25.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of SEND services
- Ensure statutory duties are met consistently, accurately, and on time
- Oversee tribunals, complaints, and complex casework functions
- Drive service improvement, performance management, and quality assurance
- Lead and strengthen multi-agency partnership working across education, health, and care
- Improve early identification, intervention, and inclusive practice
- Ensure services are child-centred, outcome-focused, and evidence-led
- Work closely with senior leaders, schools, and elected members
About You
- Significant senior leadership experience within SEND, education, or children’s services
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory frameworks
- Proven experience leading service improvement in complex systems
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and elected members
- Strong analytical and data-led decision-making skills
- A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people
What’s on Offer
- A senior strategic leadership role with real influence
- Opportunity to lead meaningful system-wide change
- Flexible working arrangements
- Supportive leadership environment focused on improvement and collaboration
This is a rare opportunity to shape SEND services at a critical time of national and local reform, with direct impact on the lives of children, young people, and families. Applications are welcomed from experienced leaders ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role.
Head of SEND in Chatham employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Join a forward-thinking local authority that prioritises the well-being and development of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements and a supportive leadership culture, this role offers the chance to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes in a collaborative environment. As a senior leader, you will have the unique opportunity to influence strategic direction and make a lasting impact on the lives of families within the community.
Contact Details:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the SEND sector and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the local authority's current SEND initiatives. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in their mission and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led service improvements or influenced stakeholders in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strong leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search, and applying directly can give you a better chance of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in SEND and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can drive improvement and shape services for children and young people.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your senior leadership experience! We’re looking for someone who can influence and lead effectively, so give us examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven change in complex systems.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves analytical decision-making, include specific examples of how you’ve used data to inform your strategies and improve outcomes. We love seeing evidence-led approaches!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in leading service improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples that highlight your senior leadership experience within SEND or children's services. Think about challenges you've faced and how you influenced change, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead during the transformation period.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Be prepared to talk about your experience in strengthening partnerships across education, health, and care. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with various stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and young people.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to inform decisions and drive performance management. Be ready to explain how you ensure services are evidence-led and outcome-focused.
