SEND Head of Service

Service Care Solutions are looking for a Head of Service (SEND & Inclusion) to work within West Sussex County Council on a 6-month contract.Location: Chichester (Hybrid)Job role/responsibilities:You will need to ensure the most effective deployment of the limited resources to help build capacity and capability to better identify, assess and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

• This role requires a strategic leader and collaborator to engage senior colleagues and partners in education.
• You'll build credibility with school leaders, make tough decisions, and communicate a compelling vision to drive change.
• With experience in recruiting and leading high-performing teams, you'll co-design and deliver complex multiagency change programs.
• Strong knowledge of special educational needs, school inspection, improvement, and governance are essential.
• Passionate about championing children's rights, you'll ensure access to quality education and local services.
• Comfortable managing large budgets, you'll secure financial contributions to support statutory obligations.

Knowledge/Experience required:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to influence, negotiate and establish credibility with Members, headteachers, governors and other leaders in educational settings.
• High level analytical skills to be able to use data effectively to bring about improvement in outcomes for children and young people.
• Proven ability to manage significant budgets and available resources to deliver effective support.
• Ability to recruit, manage and motivate teams.
• Strong ability to understand and anticipate customer needs and respond accordingly.
• Ability to challenge existing practices and identify innovative solutions within the required framework.

Qualifications:

• Degree and/or post graduate professional qualification relevant either to management or within the education profession.
• Significant successful experience in leadership either through headship across a range of school settings, or similar leadership in a local authority school improvement role, or inspection role.
• Experience in leading complex improvement work and bringing about cultural change.
• Expertise in Special Educational Needs and a successful track record in providing effective support to educational settings.
• Experience of leading professional development and coaching to improve teaching and learning in the field of SEND and Inclusion.
• A track record in leading change and supporting individuals and teams to create an environment of creativity and innovation.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant public sector compliance frameworks.

If you are interested in this role or want further discussion, please contact Lewis O'Donnell either via email: or tel: . Alternatively, if you have any friend or colleagues that might be interested, please feel free to refer them as we a have a referral scheme in place of up to £250.