Job Description
Head of SEND
Education, Quality & Inclusion | Local Authority Opportunity
Medway, Kent
Up to £75,805 per annum + £5,769 Special Allowance
Permanent | Full Time
The Opportunity
Connect Exec is delighted to be supporting a Local Authority in the appointment of a Head of SEND.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced and strategic SEND leader to join a forward-thinking authority at a pivotal stage of its development. Reporting directly to the Strategic Head of Education – Quality & Inclusion, you will play a key role in shaping SEND provision, driving service improvement and ensuring outstanding outcomes for children and young people aged 0–25.
This position offers the opportunity to lead high-performing teams, influence strategic decision-making and work collaboratively across education, health and social care to deliver meaningful and lasting change.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic leadership for the Local Authority SEND Service and all associated statutory functions.
• Lead the delivery, development and continuous improvement of SEND services across the authority.
• Oversee Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, EHCP planning, annual reviews and provision processes.
• Drive quality assurance, performance management and service improvement initiatives.
• Chair funding panels and support key decision-making processes.
• Lead on budget management, resource allocation and strategic planning.
• Develop strong and effective partnerships with schools, educational settings, health professionals, social care teams and families.
• Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding requirements.
• Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams to achieve high standards of service delivery.
• Support the authority's wider education improvement agenda through innovation, collaboration and effective leadership.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
Significant senior leadership experience within SEND services.
Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory duties and the SEND Code of Practice.
Proven experience managing statutory SEND processes and multi-agency working.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building effective partnerships.
Experience managing performance, quality assurance frameworks and service delivery.
Excellent communication, organisational and strategic planning abilities.
A commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Desirable Experience
• Local Authority SEND leadership experience.
• EHCP service management.
• Complaints, mediation and SEND Tribunal oversight.
• Commissioning and service redesign.
• Experience working with elected members, senior leaders and key stakeholders.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact across education, health and social care services.
You will be joining an organisation committed to improving outcomes for children and young people through strong leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement.
In return, you will benefit from:
• A highly influential senior leadership position.
• The opportunity to shape and transform SEND services.
• Collaborative working across education, health and social care.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Competitive salary and special allowance package.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families.
Interested?
For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Connect Executive Search Group