Job description
Location: Council House
Hours: 37 hours a week
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
Contract Type: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly and supportive SEND Team as part of Learning, Inclusion and skills service as a SEND Team Manager. We have 2 Team Managers posts and are excited to welcome new managers as part of our expanding team.
We are looking for people who share our belief in Derby and our commitment to improving the lives of children and young people. You must have a passion to work in SEND and experience of working in education or children’s services.
You will lead and manage the SEND Team with your peers, both will supervise, manage and develop team members in order to deliver the service efficiently and effectively.
We are looking for 2 Team Managers to take the lead in the following areas:
1. Lead on secondary/post 16 and annual reviews
Manage the annual review, phased transfers process and have oversight of the secondary and preparing for adulthood agenda for pupils with SEND.
2. Lead on complaints/tribunals
Manage the SEND tribunal, mediation and complaints area.
The post holders will work alongside one other SEND Team Manager who oversees primary and new assessments to ensure that all statutory duties are added too. These posts will require the team managers to lead and manage officers across the service and may fall outside of the initial remit across the service.
Who We Are
Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.
What We Offer
You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:
• Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role)
• Hybrid working
• Modern office environment
• Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
• 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
• Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
• Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
• Support for colleagues who are carers
The Opportunity
In the role of SEND Team Manager here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:
An interesting and diverse role, you will be working within a team to assist in delivering the best possible outcomes for Derby children and young people with special educational needs and disability.
This is an exciting time to join a busy, committed and motivated team. In accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, the post requires partnership working. You will be working with families and colleagues within Derby and the wider community to deliver excellent services and effective support to children and young people who have special needs and disability.
About You
We are looking for people who share our belief in Derby and our commitment to improving the lives of children and young people. You must have a passion to work in SEND and experience of working in education or children’s services.
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have….
Detailed knowledge and understanding of mechanisms to support schools and other settings to meet the educational needs of children and young people with SEND.
Decision making within statutory frameworks, with financial implications and where decisions are subject to legal challenge.
Relevant legislation/guidance: Detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory framework for SEND and Government initiatives
You should have experience of manging team members inspire and lead and is skilled in engaging and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
You must be an excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure. Self-motivated with a high level of organisational skills, able to work within prescribed timescales and deadlines.
Next Steps
If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an