At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage teams to enhance inclusive education for children with SEND.
- Company: Wigan Council, awarded 'Overall Council of the Year' for excellence in public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working patterns, and exclusive rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and significant experience in leading SEND education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to community improvement and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48200 - 53500 £ per year.
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance.
Wigan Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan, WN1 1NJ
Salary: Soulbury (Education Improvement Professionals) 12-15 £55,484 - £59,777 per annum plus up to 3 SPA, 37 hours per week.
We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
Your role:
Wigan Children’s Services are looking to recruit an experienced and dedicated Manager of the Targeted Education Support Service. This position involves leading and managing teams of specialist teaching staff to enhance inclusive practice in settings and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, including those areas outlined in the SEND and education strategy. You will work closely with school leaders, SENDCos and senior managers across education to strategically plan our response to inclusion and support the implementation of a successful graduated response. TESS have a key role in supporting schools to identify the needs of children and young people with SEND and to provide advice, training and teaching support for evidence-based learning approaches. You will ensure delivery of a high quality equitable service to settings.
About you:
We are looking for an individual who is positive, accountable and courageous with excellent interpersonal skills who embodies the Be Wigan manager behaviours including the ability to inspire, engage and care about others to promote change for children. You will be a Senior Manager with considerable experience in leading teaching staff to promote inclusive practice. You will have qualified teacher status, significant teaching experience with children with SEND as well as a professional qualification in an area of specialist education support. You will have excellent knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and current issues in education.
About us:
Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations. The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our two place missions: create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
The Targeted Education Support Service staff are qualified and experienced Teachers and Educational Practitioners who work with schools within the Borough to support children and young people to make progress with their learning and/or social, emotional or mental health. TESS provides specialist advice through consultation, observation, modelling good practice and assessment. They work at an individual, strategic and systemic level providing a diverse SEND training programme and inclusive systemic support to schools.
Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits.
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check. The employer is committed to safeguarding.
Interview date: Week Commencing Monday 9th February 2026. This is a politically restricted role.
Targeted Education Support Service (TESS) Manager in Wigan employer: Wigan Council
Contact Detail:
Wigan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Targeted Education Support Service (TESS) Manager in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education and SEND. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on the TESS Manager role or similar positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Wigan Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our mission to create fair opportunities for all children and families in the Borough.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams to improve inclusive practices. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve made a difference in the lives of children with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining #TeamWigan and making a positive impact in our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Targeted Education Support Service (TESS) Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of TESS Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved inclusive practices in education. We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, and how you embody the values we cherish at Wigan Council.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive and review your application, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Council
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and current issues in education. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also understand how to apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in promoting inclusive practices. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to inspire and engage others.
✨Connect with Wigan's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Wigan Council's 'Progress with Unity' plan and how it aligns with the role. Be ready to discuss how your experience and values can contribute to creating fair opportunities for all children and families in the borough.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the TESS team's approach to training or how they measure success in supporting schools. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.