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 lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive leadership environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for meaningful change and collaboration across education, health, and care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives during a crucial period of reform.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience in SEND or children's services required.
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
We are looking for a resilient, values-driven leader with:
- 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
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
Join a forward-thinking local authority in the South East, where you will have the opportunity to lead transformative changes in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. With a strong focus on collaboration and improvement, this role offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive leadership environment that prioritises the outcomes of children and young people. As a senior leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping services that make a real difference in the community.
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 education and SEND sectors. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the local authority's current SEND initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit for leading their SEND services.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Head of SEND 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 ensure high-quality outcomes 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 lead effectively, so give us examples of how you've influenced change and improved services 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 decisions. We love seeing evidence-led approaches that have made a real difference!
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨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 service improvement and operational delivery.
✨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've successfully led teams through complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you use data to drive decision-making. Bring examples of how you've used analytical skills to improve outcomes for children and young people, and be ready to discuss the impact of those decisions.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since this role involves strengthening partnerships across education, health, and care, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different agencies. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and work towards common goals.
