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- Tasks: Lead and manage specialist SEND services while ensuring effective delivery of statutory responsibilities.
- Company: Local Government Council focused on Children, Education and Families.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Initial 3-month contract with potential for further opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education inclusion and support vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in SEND and strong stakeholder management skills.
The Council is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Education Inclusion to provide interim leadership support within Children, Education and Families during a period of extended absence cover. This is a senior interim opportunity for a highly experienced professional with substantial expertise across SEND, Alternative Provision (AP), Inclusion, and EHCP statutory services.
The Role
You will provide operational and strategic leadership across specialist SEND services and the EHCP Statutory Assessment Service, ensuring continuity of delivery and effective management of high-priority statutory responsibilities. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with: 2 days per week onsite in Huntingdon and 3 days remote working.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional supervision and leadership to District Managers overseeing:
- Specialist Teachers
- Specialist Practitioners
- SEN Support services
- PEX prevention services
- EHCP processes
- Section 19 duties
Essential Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience within SEND / Inclusion services
- Strong understanding of EHCP statutory processes and Section 19 duties
- Experience managing complex complaints, tribunal activity, Ombudsman investigations, and legal matters
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams within local authority settings
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Agency Worker / Interim
- Duration: Initial 3 months
Head of Service employer: Spirehouse Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Spirehouse Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEND and Inclusion. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of EHCP processes and Section 19 duties. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your responses with a mate to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and handled complex complaints. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in SEND and Inclusion services. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Head of Service role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your senior leadership experience and your ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams. We’re looking for someone who can provide strong operational and strategic leadership, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, especially around EHCP processes and managing complex complaints. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND, Alternative Provision, and EHCP statutory services. Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and practices in these areas, as well as any recent changes in local government regulations. This will show that you're not just experienced but also current.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss your approach to professional supervision and how you manage complex complaints or legal matters.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since excellent stakeholder management is key for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles, and be ready to share strategies for maintaining strong relationships.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges the team is facing or how they measure success in the Education Inclusion services. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.