Job Description:

Head of SEND
Permanent, Full-time Contract
£63,280 to £75,805 Per Annum
Medway – Hybrid Working

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of SEND to lead and develop high-quality Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services for children and young people aged 0–25.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a passionate SEND professional who can drive service improvement, ensure statutory compliance, build strong partnerships, and deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across SEND services, ensuring effective assessment, planning and delivery of support while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage SEND services, ensuring high standards of service delivery and positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Oversee statutory SEND functions, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Manage and develop multi-disciplinary teams, providing effective leadership, support and performance management.
• Ensure robust and transparent decision-making processes, including chairing and overseeing statutory panels.
• Work collaboratively with education providers, health partners, social care, parents, carers and other stakeholders to improve outcomes.
• Lead on strategic planning, service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor service performance, quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Use data, intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
• Oversee resource allocation and contribute to effective budget management.
• Support the development of inclusive practices across educational settings.
• Manage complex cases, complaints and tribunal-related activity where required.
• Promote safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children and young people remains central to all decision-making.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Qualified education professional or significant SEND leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory SEND processes.
• Proven experience leading SEND services within a local authority, education or similar environment.
• Experience managing multi-agency partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.
• Experience of service improvement, performance management and quality assurance.
• Ability to analyse complex data and use insights to improve service delivery.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.

What We're Looking For

• Strategic vision and strong organisational insight.
• Inspirational leadership and commitment to inclusion.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
• The ability to lead teams through change and transformation.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding services for children, young people and families.

Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?
Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years' worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process.
To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce.