Head of SEND

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE) 

At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do. EPNE is a college group (Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form).

Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”.   Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve. 

We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth. 

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in.  Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.   

In our latest Ofsted Report (2024), EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas.

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the Candidate

We are looking for an inspiring and ambitious leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for learners with SEND. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to influence, collaborate and build strong relationships across education, local authorities, employers and external agencies.

You will be committed to creating an inclusive culture where learners can thrive and staff feel empowered to develop their knowledge and practice. As a confident communicator and problem solver, you will use data, evidence and partnership working to drive continuous improvement and maximise opportunities for learners.

You will embody EPNE's commitment to being a changemaker, demonstrating innovation, resilience and a determination to challenge barriers to participation and achievement.

How will this person be a Changemaker?

As Head of SEND Workforce Development and Funding, you will lead transformational change across the organisation. You will shape the future of SEND provision through workforce development, strategic partnerships, funding growth and innovative practice, ensuring more learners can access high quality support and achieve positive outcomes.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Education Partnership North East at a pivotal time in the development of our SEND and inclusion strategy. Reporting to the Associate Principal SEND and Inclusion, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND workforce development, specialist support services, EHCP funding and external partnerships across the group.

You will play a key role in shaping organisational practice, driving funding growth, strengthening relationships with Local Authorities and leading a comprehensive SEND professional development programme. The role offers the opportunity to work across multiple college sites, influence regional and national SEND developments, and contribute to sector-leading inclusive practice. You will also work with innovative digital learning platforms and support the development of new approaches to workforce development and learner support.

Role Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of EPNE's SEND workforce development strategy. 

Drive SEND funding growth, performance monitoring and income generation opportunities.

Oversee EHCP, Exceptional Learning Support and SEND funding processes across the organisation.

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Local Authorities, employers and external partners.

Lead specialist support services and ensure high quality support arrangements for learners with SEND.

Monitor performance, compliance and quality, providing reports and recommendations to senior leaders.

Qualifications

Degree in SEND, Youth Work or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification.

Leadership or management qualification.

GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above.

Essential Skills & Experience

Significant experience of leading SEND or specialist provision services.

Experience of working with Local Authorities and external SEND partners.

Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act and educational SEND responsibilities.

Proven ability to achieve performance and financial targets.

Experience of analysing data and using evidence to improve outcomes.

Ability to lead, inspire and develop teams across multiple sites.

Experience of designing and delivering professional development or training programmes.

Strong communication, stakeholder management and partnership-building skills..

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.  
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.  
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.  

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.