At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate SEND services to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Warrington Borough Council, committed to enhancing lives of children with additional needs.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, competitive benefits package, and health & wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusive practices and community partnership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in education and deep knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Warrington Borough Council is seeking an outstanding and passionate Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) to lead our vision for children and young people with additional needs. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for driving high-quality services, shaping strategic direction, and ensuring we deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and their families. Warrington is a forward-thinking borough with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.
You will join a supportive senior leadership team, a committed workforce, and a partnership that is ambitious for the future. You will lead our SEND Service, including statutory SEND processes, assessment and review, strategic planning, commissioning, and partnership working across education, health and social care. We are committed to inclusive practice, early intervention, and co-production with families—and we are looking for a leader who shares these values.
This is a full time role. You will be joining a mature and experienced SEND service and will be responsible for:
- Leading the strategic development and operational delivery of Warrington’s SEND services following the publication of the White Paper.
- Ensuring statutory compliance with the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Strengthening multi-agency working across education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
- Driving improvement in SEND timeliness, quality, and the lived experiences of children and families.
- Overseeing financial planning and ensure the High Needs Block is sustainable and aligned to priorities.
- Leading service transformation, innovation, and workforce development.
- Championing inclusion across the local area and support strong educational outcomes for all learners.
- Driving SEND sufficiency across Warrington strengthening our inclusion policy across our schools.
We are looking for a strategic, inspirational leader who:
- Has strategic experience in the educational sector.
- Has deep knowledge of SEND legislation, policy and best practice.
- Understands how to work effectively across complex systems.
- Is confident in managing performance, budgets, and organisational change.
- Brings strong partnership skills and can influence at a senior level.
- Can lead with compassion, ambition, and a clear commitment to improving children’s lives.
As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:
- 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata).
- Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package.
- Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme.
For an informal conversation please contact: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role. Therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. DBS clearance is required. Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.
Locations
Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Warrington Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people with additional needs. With a strong commitment to inclusive practice and early intervention, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave. Joining our passionate team means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that values collaboration and innovation in service delivery.
Contact Details:
Warrington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND sector through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Warrington Borough Council's current initiatives in SEND. Show us you’re passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a 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 directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Warrington.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people with SEND shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving lives and how you align with our values of inclusion and early intervention.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your strategic experience in the educational sector and your knowledge of SEND legislation. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and drive improvement in SEND services.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Service role. Show us how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Warrington Borough Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your deep knowledge of SEND legislation, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your strategic experience in the educational sector. Think about how you can lead the development and operational delivery of SEND services, and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully implemented change in the past.
✨Demonstrate Partnership Skills
This role requires strong partnership skills, so come prepared with examples of how you've influenced at a senior level. Discuss your experience in multi-agency working and how you’ve strengthened collaboration across education, health, and social care.
✨Lead with Compassion and Ambition
Be ready to convey your passion for improving children's lives. Share your vision for inclusion and how you plan to champion it across Warrington. This will resonate well with the council's commitment to inclusive practice and early intervention.
