Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
About us
Warrington Borough Council is seeking an outstanding and passionate Head of Service for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) to lead our vision for children and young people with additional needs. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for driving high-quality services, shaping strategic direction, and ensuring we deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Warrington is a forward-thinking borough with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and young people. You will join a supportive senior leadership team, a committed workforce, and a partnership that is ambitious for the future.
You will lead our SEND Service, including statutory SEND processes, assessment and review, strategic planning, commissioning, and partnership working across education, health and social care. We are committed to inclusive practice, early intervention, and co-production with families—and we are looking for a leader who shares these values.
The role
This is a full time role. You will be joining a mature and experienced SEND service and will be responsible for:
* Leading the strategic development and operational delivery of Warrington’s SEND services following the publication of the White Paper.
* Ensuring statutory compliance with the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
* Strengthening multi-agency working across education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
* Driving improvement in SEND timeliness, quality, and the lived experiences of children and families.
* Overseeing financial planning and ensure the High Needs Block is sustainable and aligned to priorities.
* Leading service transformation, innovation, and workforce development.
* Championing inclusion across the local area and support strong educational outcomes for all learners.
* Driving SEND sufficiency across Warrington strengthening our inclusion policy across our schools.
What's needed?
We are looking for a strategic, inspirational leader who:
* Has strategic experience in the educational sector
* Has deep knowledge of SEND legislation, policy and best practice.
* Understands how to work effectively across complex systems.
* Is confident in managing performance, budgets, and organisational change.
* Brings strong partnership skills and can influence at a senior level.
* Can lead with compassion, ambition, and a clear commitment to improving children’s lives.
As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:
* 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
* Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
* Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
Key Dates & Further Information
For an informal conversation please contact:
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role. Therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
DBS clearance is required.
Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer
Warrington Borough Council Offices, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT
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