Head of Service – SEND
At Cheshire East we’re offering a rare opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a system in transformation and to play a defining role in the next chapter for children and families in Cheshire East as we build something special, to last.
We have an exciting opportunity for aHead of Service – SEND, based at Delamere House, Crewe. Providing strategic leadership, vision and accountability for the council’s statutory SEND assessment, planning and annual review functions, shaping the local area’s approach to inclusion for children and young people aged 0–25.
This role is central to delivering the council’s ambition that every child and young person can achieve, participate and thrive within an inclusive education system.
The role will lead the design, governance and improvement of the SEND pathways, ensuring it operates as a high performing system that meets legislative duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
The role will ensure that the EHC process is delivered with consistency, timeliness and high-quality professional judgement, and that children, young people and families receive a service that is respectful, responsive and based in co-production.
In this role you will
* Set the strategic direction for SEND assessment, planning and review across the local area.
* Translate legislation and national policy into a clear local operating model with measurable outcomes, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and the Education strategy.
* Own the performance and quality strategy for the EHC pathway, including KP Is, audits, moderation, feedback loops, and continuous improvement cycles.
* Ensure reliable statutory returns and inspection ready evidence. Lead SEND assessment governance ensuring risks and mitigations are visible and managed.
* Lead SEND assessment preparation for Ofsted/CQC local area SEND activity, ensuring the LA’s SEND assessment self‑evaluation, improvement plans and evidence base are current and impact focused. The development and implementation of practice frameworks, standards and models across all service areas.
* Lead on the establishment of systematic reporting processes which provide, as required, regular reports and synopsis on key work streams to Senior Management, relevant Council forums and other internal/external bodies as required.
What you’ll bring
* Expert knowledge of Part 3 Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations, and SEND Code of Practice.
* A proven track record of leading statutory SEND teams at scale and delivering measurable improvements in timeliness, quality and sustaining legal compliance.
* Proven track record of responsibility for supervising, training & developing staff, managing the prioritisation of work programmes.
* Proven experience of strategy setting, complex change, digital transformation, performance and quality frameworks, and inspection readiness.
* High‑level partnership skills across education, health and social care and proven experience at co‑production with families and young people.
* Have an in‑depth knowledge of Part 3 Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations, and SEND Code of Practice.
* Have proven skills in chairing panels, strategic planning QA, data‑led performance.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills and who is able to brief, challenge and persuade at pace and being confident in handling complex and sensitive matters including tribunals and complaints.
* Have the ability to converse at ease with stakeholders and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
In return we are able to offer
* Enhanced annual leave‑ Start with an impressive34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service
* Purchase of annual leave ‑ Want more time off? You can purchaseup to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro‑ratio for part‑time staff)
* Flexible working pattern ‑ Enjoy a37‑hour standard full‑time work week with the added perks of flexi‑time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible. Your work‑life balance just got a whole lot better
* Salary sacrifice green car scheme ‑ Drive green and save green! Lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme. There’s no credit checks, no deposits, just significant savings and exclusive offers on a three‑year lease
* White goods salary sacrifice scheme ‑ Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme, spreading the cost of big‑ticket purchases like appliances, computers, and tech gadgets directly from your salary
* Enhanced public pension ‑ Secure your future with ourcareer average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
* Cycle to work scheme ‑ Save up to 25‑39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings. Get fit and save money!
* Employee assistance programme ‑ Access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life
* Discounted gym membership ‑ Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
o Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
o Off‑Peak Racket Sports
o Athletics Tracks
o Sauna/Steam/Spa
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future – together.
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