Service Lead - SEND Operations (Locality)
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £63,225 per annum
Job purpose:
This is a senior management position responsible for operational service delivery. Working directly with the Head of SEND Operations to ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties in relation to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as set out in the Children & Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
Key responsibilities:
- Have direct accountability for the operational leadership and performance of the SEND Operations Team within a defined geographical area, and joint ownership of the performance across the county to ensure the Education Health and Care Assessment and Review processes are delivered in line with statutory responsibilities.
- Provide effective decision-making and leadership oversight to ensure children and young people, 0-25 years old, are receiving suitable education, as defined in their Education Health and Care Plans.
- Promote a culture of co-production by working in partnership with children and young people with SEND and their families to ensure that any service design and improvements within the statutory team are led by user experience.
- Work in partnership with children’s and adult’s social care, health and community services, schools and other education providers to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with EHCPs in Devon in line with statutory responsibilities.
- Work together across the SEND Operations Management Team as one entity, to demonstrate strong leadership through a collaborative approach towards continuous improvement.
Requirements:
- Recognised teaching qualification, relevant SEND qualification or a leadership qualification, combined with experience of working in/with schools or education settings at a senior level.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to the requirements of the job.
- Demonstrated, sustained leadership and management experience in education, including performance and people management
- Substantial experience of working within the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Proven track record of fostering and maintaining effective partnerships with other agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Demonstrated success in collaborating with children and young people, and their families, using their feedback to improve service delivery
- Experience of managing a large team of staff, with the ability to inspire, motivate, coach, and develop team members to achieve high levels of performance.
- In depth knowledge of statutory responsibilities of local authorities in relation to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Excellent understanding and practical application of relevant legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015 and Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Through knowledge of regulatory and inspection standards and up to date knowledge of Ofsted frameworks.
The successful candidate will embody Devon County Council’s Core Principles and Behaviours, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Interview date: w/c 02/06/2025
For an informal discussion please contact Claire Merchant Jones claire.merchantjones@devon.gov.uk
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ007836