At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve SEND services, ensuring high-quality outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Local authority in South London focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and opportunity to shape SEND strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for service transformation and collaboration across sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND and their families.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in SEN/SEND and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 4000 - 5000 £ per month.
A South London local authority is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of SEND to provide high-quality leadership across its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service and wider SEND partnership. This senior system leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering an inclusive, integrated SEND service that improves outcomes and lived experiences for children, young people, and their families. You will work closely with schools, health partners, social care, and voluntary organisations to ensure a joined-up, high-performing SEND system aligned to national policy and local priorities.
Main Purpose
- Provide strategic and operational leadership of the SEN service and SEND system partnerships
- Develop and deliver the SEND strategic vision and priorities
- Champion children and young people with SEND and their families
- Ensure high‑quality operational delivery through direct services and commissioning
- Drive an inclusive, sustainable, and consistent SEND experience across the local area
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and improve high-quality, efficient and outcome-focused SEN services
- Embed performance management, quality assurance, and data-driven service improvement
- Provide cross-sector leadership across education, health, and social care
- Oversee joint commissioning and integrated service delivery
- Advise senior leaders including the Director of Education and elected members
- Lead workforce development, recruitment, and team performance
- Manage budgets, resources, and commissioned services effectively
- Shape SEND strategy in line with national reforms and improvement plans
- Promote co-production, ensuring the voice of children, young people, and families informs service design
- Deputise for the Director of Education where required
Leadership & Management
- SEN Statutory Assessment Team
- Tribunals and Mediation (including customer engagement)
- SEN Outreach Services
- SEND Programme Team
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Proven senior leadership experience within a complex SEN/SEND service
- Strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience of commissioning and managing complex budgets
- Deep understanding of SEN legislation and national SEND policy
- Ability to lead system-wide partnerships across education, health, and care
- Strong performance management and data analysis capability
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commitment to inclusion, equality, and improving outcomes for children and families
Additional Requirements
- Enhanced DBS required
- Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours commitments
- Willingness to travel within and occasionally outside the borough
What’s on Offer
- Senior interim leadership role in a high-impact SEND environment
- Opportunity to shape local SEND strategy and service transformation
- Hybrid working model (2 days onsite per week)
- Competitive day rate of £526.56 (umbrella)
Head of SEND employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
As a leading local authority in South London, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions inclusivity and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you lead transformative initiatives in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector, ensuring meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, we offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of SEND services in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEND
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Service Care Solutions Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Service Care Solutions Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
