Head of SEND - Transformation and Delivery

Head of SEND (Transformation and Delivery) – Education – Croydon Council

Salary: CSR B (£89,732 - £95,296)

Permanent – 36 hours per week

Job Purpose

As a member of the Children, Young People and Education Directorate – within the Education Division extended management team, the Head of SEND will work collaboratively across their department and with other Heads of Service across all of CYPE and Directors to ensure the effective and efficient development and Delivery of council services that support departmental and council objectives. As required, the postholder will participate in corporate management activities that cross over service or departmental boundaries.

The Head of SEND will ensure effective delivery of the Local Authority’s statutory functions in relation to Croydon’s SEND community through championing high quality and standards in schools for Children and Young People with SEND, to ensure delivery of the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities with regard to the SEND Code of Practice for Children and Young People requiring EHC Plans and SEND support, including ensuring that strategies applied appropriately reflect the political aspirations of the Local Authority.

Essential / Preferred Requirements:

• A first degree and recognised teacher qualification
• Significant and relevant post qualification training
• Evidence of continuing professional development, leadership and personal
• SEND related qualification
• Significant experience in leading SEND, School or Local Authority
• Proven management and experience of change transformation
• Proven track record of leading and managing school interventions successfully
• Experience of successful budget and project management
• Experience of working successfully in a multi-agency environment to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• Understanding of the Ofsted framework for inspection of the Local Area
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of education and special education  across the early years, primary and secondary and post 16 phases and of related pedagogy, research and best practice
• Excellent knowledge of SEND related legislation
• Proven ability to lead a strategic team at a similar level through customer services and leadership capability
• A successful track record and background of consistent achievement at senior management level in a local authority or large complex organisation.
• Experience of establishing and implementing business planning processes and performance management systems to ensure appropriate and cost effective service delivery.
• Demonstrable excellence in team management and service delivery in relation to the provision of customer orientated services that achieve successful outcomes.
• Experience of working in partnership with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders / bodies including statutory bodies and organisations
• Knowledge of SEND Legislation and Statutory Responsibilities
• Able to represent the authority with credibility at meetings with the DfE, Ofsted, other national agencies, local authorities and at strategic partnerships
• Able to champion the values and objectives of the local authority and the purpose of education and learning as they relate to children and young people in Croydon
• High level of communication skills to persuade and engage audiences and form positive relationships at all levels (internally and externally).
• Ability to work in a collaborative way to transform service delivery including the ability to manage internal departmental relationships
• Evidence of being a strong corporate player who will lead, motivate and inspire their teams and build a high performing culture.
• Ability to work effectively across a range of service disciplines and with a range of people.
• Expertise in data analytics and targeting work in relation to identified needs.
• Commitment to the Council's core value and objectives

Why Join Us

Our most recent Local Area SEND inspection was positive.

We are passionate about our staff and in return we will provide a rewarding career with a commitment to investing in you.

We offer a generous pay and benefits package.

If you want to be part of a team that believes in delivering positive outcomes for Children, Young People and Families of Croydon. If you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough.

We also offer:

• Highly competitive compensation package
• 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
• A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
• Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
• Investment into your wellbeing
• Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)
• We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance

Closing date: Tuesday 12th March 2024 at 23:59.

To view the role profile, please click here 

Equalities and Safeguarding Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.