Head of SEND
Lead SEND services, oversee inclusion strategies for ages 0–25, work with senior teams, and access development opportunities. Competitive pay for experienced leaders.
What to Expect from This Job
This Head of SEND position is a full-time, senior-level role offering a competitive salary range of £48,000 to £72,000 per year. The post is strictly office-based.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong strategic leadership with a background in senior management. You’ll find this role rewarding if you enjoy hands-on impact.
The employer is a public sector organisation prioritising community development and career progression. Professional growth and support are key elements.
You’ll be leading vital services for individuals aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Direct management of service teams is a core focus.
This opportunity is best for candidates ready for substantial responsibility and a chance to create real impact through service improvement and policy development.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Your main role will be to lead and develop SEND services and inclusion strategies for young people. This involves both planning and direct oversight of service delivery.
Building partnerships with agencies, stakeholders, and local communities is critical. You will be expected to forge sustainable collaboration for improved outcomes.
Another major responsibility is shaping and implementing SEND policies. You’ll be accountable for evaluating and enhancing programmes for effectiveness and equality.
Regularly measuring outcomes and reporting results to senior leadership is required. This also means adjusting strategies based on clear evidence and community needs.
You’ll also lead a team, support staff development, and maintain positive engagement across departments. This is a demanding but ultimately rewarding hands-on post.
Key Advantages
One of the clear benefits is the competitive salary, reflecting the seniority and expectations of the position. Top applicants will be recognised and supported.
The chance to influence real policy and practice at a strategic level is a highly attractive aspect for experienced professionals driven by social change.
This employer is known for investing in staff development. You’ll find ample opportunities for training and career progression within a collaborative culture.
By leading on community impact, you’ll gain first-hand satisfaction from delivering improved outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and families.
Considerations and Challenges
This role entails a high level of responsibility and accountability, which may be overwhelming for candidates new to senior leadership roles or policy work.
There’s no option for remote or home-based work, which may not suit everyone’s work-life preferences. Office presence is a strict requirement in this position.
The need for frequent cross-departmental and cross-agency collaboration means strong relationship management skills are a must. The pace can be intense.
Finally, impacts are not always immediate. Policy and community change take time, so this role can require persistence and patience to see major results.
Our Verdict
The Head of SEND: Strategic Leader for 0–25 Inclusion position is a stand-out opportunity for experienced leaders passionate about inclusion, policy innovation, and strategic impact.
The competitive salary, focus on professional growth, and the chance to shape services for young people make this an appealing prospect for ambitious applicants ready for challenge.