Head of SEN
Ackerman Pierce Ltd
A London Borough in South London is seeking an experienced Head of Service – SEN to join its Children, Education & Families Directorate on an interim basis. Reporting to the Director of Education, this is a key strategic leadership role responsible for leading the borough's SEN Service and providing system leadership across the wider SEND Partnership.
The successful candidate will drive the SEND strategic vision, lead service improvement, and work collaboratively across education, health, social care, schools, and families to deliver high-quality, inclusive services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Main Duties:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the SEN Service, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and child-centred services.
- Lead the development and delivery of the borough's SEND Strategy, ensuring compliance with national legislation, statutory guidance, and local priorities.
- Oversee the SEN Leadership Team, including Statutory Assessment, Tribunals & Mediation, SEN Outreach, and the SEND Programme Team.
- Drive continuous service improvement through effective performance management, quality assurance, and the use of business intelligence and performance data.
- Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of integrated SEND services across education, health, and social care.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with schools, parents, carers, health providers, social care, and other partner agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Provide expert advice and strategic reports to the Director of Education, Senior Leadership Team, and elected members.
- Lead on SEND commissioning arrangements and ensure resources are effectively managed to deliver best value and positive outcomes.
- Manage significant service budgets and ensure financial accountability across the service.
- Champion co-production by embedding the voice of children, young people, and families into service planning and development.
- Lead workforce development, performance management, and professional development across the SEN Service.
- Ensure statutory responsibilities are met, including compliance with SEND legislation, safeguarding requirements, and quality standards.
- Deputise for the Director of Education as required and contribute to the wider Education Leadership Team.
Requirements:
- Significant senior leadership experience within a Local Authority SEND Service, Children's Services, Education, Health, or Social Care.
- Extensive knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, SEND Regulations, and wider SEND legislation.
- Proven experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams within a high-profile service area.
- Demonstrable experience delivering service transformation and driving continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of strategic SEND commissioning and integrated service delivery.
- Experience managing significant budgets and ensuring effective financial governance.
- Proven ability to build strong partnerships across education, health, social care, schools, and families.
- Experience preparing reports and providing strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.
- Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
- Degree-level qualification in Education, Health, Social Care, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Recent professional development relevant to SEND leadership.
Why Join Our Agency?
With over 10 years' experience recruiting within SEND and the public sector, Ackerman Pierce provides a dedicated and supportive recruitment service throughout your assignment. You'll have a dedicated consultant from registration through to placement, with a streamlined onboarding process, DBS support where required, and weekly payroll.
To discuss this Head of Service – SEN opportunity, please contact Ella Hajittofis or send your updated CV today.
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