Head of Specialist Education and Support

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to join our Education and SEND senior leadership team as Head of Service � SEND Advisory and Training Service (SENDATS).

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly regarded, multidisciplinary service of over 100 professionals supporting approximately 3,000 children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across mainstream schools, resource provisions, alternative settings and home tuition services.

SENDATS plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children and young people receive the support they need to thrive, with the service currently meeting the needs of approximately 98% of children with SEND in Redbridge.

About the Role

As Head of SENDATS, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a broad range of specialist services, including:

• Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
• Physical and Medical Needs
• Sensory Support Services (Hearing, Vision and Multi-Sensory Impairment)
• Cognition and Learning Services
• Home Tuition Provision
• Brookside Hospital School

Managing a workforce comparable in size to a large primary school, you will lead a team comprising:

• 5 Deputy Heads of Service
• 5 Senior Teachers
• Approximately 105 advisory and specialist support staff

You will also hold responsibility for the management of an annual budget of approximately �8 million, ensuring services remain high quality, sustainable and responsive to the changing needs of children, families and schools.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership for SENDATS and Brookside Hospital School.
• Shape and deliver innovative SEND policies, procedures and service developments.
• Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, statutory duties and quality standards.
• Lead service planning, performance monitoring and impact evaluation.
• Represent the Council in complex SEND matters, including tribunals where required.
• Drive inclusive education practice across schools, academies and other educational settings.
• Work collaboratively with education, health and social care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, professional development and performance management.
• Develop and expand the service�s training and traded offer both within and beyond Redbridge.
• Contribute strategically to the wider Education and SEND leadership agenda.

About You

We are looking for an outstanding leader with a strong track record of delivering improvement and innovation in SEND and education services.

You will have:

Essential Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Significant senior leadership experience within education, SEND or specialist support services.
• Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of developing and delivering high-quality support services for schools and educational settings.
• Strong budget management experience.
• Proven ability to evaluate service effectiveness through robust data analysis and strategic review.
• Experience driving service improvement and organisational change.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.