Childrens Social Work Team Manager, Early Years SEND, North London
Pay rate to £45 per hour
Role Overview
The council is seeking an experienced Interim Manager - Early Years SEND to provide leadership and operational oversight of statutory SEND responsibilities for children aged 0-5. This key interim leadership role ensures effective early identification, inclusion and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities across all early‑years settings. Hybrid working is available.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and oversee the Local Authoritys statutory SEND duties for early years in line with the Education Act 1996, Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
* Line manage Early Years SEND Development Advisers, ensuring quality, performance and compliance with statutory timescales.
* Manage and oversee the Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund and any new funding introduced by the DfE, ensuring transparent, targeted and value‑for‑money use.
* Provide professional support and challenge to early years settings, PVIs, childminders and schools to strengthen inclusive practice.
* Support early identification, assessment and intervention using the graduated approach.
* Contribute to the statutory assessment and EHCP pathways for children aged 0-5, where appropriate.
* Lead on training and development, including SENCo training and workforce capacity‑building.
* Promote strong multi‑agency working with health, social care and parent partnership services.
* Support inclusion, admissions and successful transitions between settings and into school.
Essential Experience & Skill
* Significant experience in Early Years SEND or a related education/SEND leadership role.
* Strong working knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory frameworks.
* Proven experience of managing staff, budgets and complex services.
* Experience of working effectively in a multi‑agency environment.
* Ability to lead change, solve complex issues and operate at pace.
* Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills.
Qualifications & Other Requirements
* Demonstrable experience of working within early years, SEND or a related childrens service, with a clear focus on improving outcomes for children and families.
* Strong applied knowledge of current SEND and early years legislation, statutory guidance and national policy, and the ability to implement these effectively in practice.
* Evidence of leading, managing or influencing services, teams or projects to deliver high‑quality provision and sustained service improvement.
* Proven ability to use quality assurance activity, performance information and data to understand impact, manage risk and drive improvement.
* Experience of working constructively with parents and carers, including responding effectively to concerns, challenge or complaints to improve services and reduce escalation.
* Demonstrable ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across education, health, social care and other relevant agencies.
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