Head of SEN

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Head of SEN on a 3 months contract with the posibility of further extension.

Purpose of the role

To lead and manage services for children and young people with SEN/D, to fulfil the client’s statutory responsibilities in the context of local and national priorities.

To be a champion for children with SEN/D, to secure their well-being and ensure that they achieve the best possible outcomes.

By collaborating with partners across the area and with parents to ensure that SEN/D services are of the highest quality possible and that children and young people who need help have access to the right services at the right time.

Key responsibilities and duties

• Lead, develop and manage SEN/D services (which may change to reflect local and national priorities)
• Develop the effectiveness and efficiency of services by monitoring and evaluating performance, developing robust systems for service planning and performance management, which take account of changing service requirements, demographic trends, changing legislation.
• Recruit, manage, motivate and develop staff through effective management systems and performance appraisal.
• Manage resources to achieve priorities, ensuring that resources are allocated and controlled to optimise efficiency and effectiveness to achieve the best possible outcomes within the budget and seeking opportunities for securing external funding. Within these responsibilities, to carry out the functions of a budget holder and a contract manager, complying with the client’s procedures.
• Working with the Director of Education, provide direction for the Local Authority’s SEND strategy, policy and practice and commissioning of SEN/D provision.
• Ensure sufficient SEN/D provision to meet statutory requirements and support access to provision for all those who are entitled to it.
• Evaluate the impact of educational provision for children with SEND, to inform commissioning.
• Support the Director and Executive Director in ensuring that services for children are increasingly well integrated so that children who need them have access to the right services at the right time
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders, including parents, schools and other education providers and other statutory and voluntary agencies providing services for children and young people
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the post, as required to ensure the efficient and effective running of the client.

Requirements

• Successful leadership and management of a service with multiple teams
• Experience of working successfully with partner organisations to improve outcomes for service users
• Effective management of complex budgets involving a range of funding streams
• A track record in commissioning and managing commissioned services
• Genuine commitment to working in partnership with parents, children and young people to help overcome barriers and achieve the best possible outcomes
• Skills and knowledge to represent the client credibly with partners, including education settings and other statutory agencies
• Track record as a team player, contributing to team goals and the wider strategic objectives of the organization
• Detailed knowledge of the legislative framework and statutory guidance for SEN/D
• Understanding of national policy across education, health and social care as the context for SEN/D services
• Knowledge and understanding of successful strategies for countering inequality and a commitment to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery
• Knowledge, understanding and skills required to manage a complex budget
• A recognised, relevant qualification at degree level or equivalent
• Recent, relevant professional development

If you are interested, please apply or contact Pocholo for more information!