Service Director - Inclusion, Education and Learning (Internal) in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council is entering an exciting period in our journey to improve outcomes for children and young people. Over the last 18 months, our Children and Young People’s Services have made significant strides – stabilising services, strengthening performance and rebuilding confidence across the system. Now we’re ready to take the next step.

With strong corporate support, improving performance and renewed energy across our partnerships, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of education and inclusion in Suffolk and make a lasting impact for children and families across the county.

As our Service Director for Inclusion, Education and Learning, you will provide strategic leadership for the local education system with a particular emphasis on SEND and Vulnerable Learners. You will lead key structures working with stakeholders to focus on the improvements needed for those children and young people who are not yet thriving in their education journey, focusing on the local SEND Reform plans linked to our Local Inclusion Plan. You will have responsibility for a focus on all educational outcomes, school improvement needs, inclusion and wider school place planning. You will also oversee our 0–25 SEND system, building on the significant progress already made to improve performance, strengthen governance and embed a culture of partnership working across education, health and care.

With strong foundations now in place, the focus is on sustaining momentum and driving the next phase of progress. We’re looking for a leader who can maintain the pace of improvement, build credibility with partners and drive the system forward towards sustained excellence. With a refreshed improvement plan and a strengthened leadership team in place, you will have the opportunity to focus on delivery, quality and impact for children and families.

We’re seeking an ambitious and collaborative leader who can inspire confidence across our partnerships – from schools and multi-academy trusts to health colleagues and our parent carer forum. With strong financial and strategic acumen, you will bring experience of improving education and inclusion services and the ability to lead across a complex system to deliver meaningful change.

In return, you will be joining a council at a pivotal moment. With national SEND reforms ahead and a strong Children’s leadership team in place, this role offers the chance to influence the future shape of services while building on genuine progress already achieved.

You’ll work alongside committed and talented colleagues in a supportive and collaborative leadership environment that values partnership, innovation and collaborative leadership. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people across Suffolk.

Come and help lead the next phase of Suffolk’s journey – and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.