Job Details

Job Description

Job Title

SEND Operations Lead

Location

Hybrid / Local Authority Office

Contract

Temporary / Interim

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced SEND Operations Lead to oversee the operational delivery of statutory SEND services and ensure the Local Authority fulfils its responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice, and associated legislation.

You will lead the delivery of Education, Health and Care (EHC) processes, oversee specialist placements and High Needs funding, manage service performance, and work collaboratively with education, health, social care and families to ensure children and young people receive appropriate support and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a senior leadership role requiring extensive experience within a Local Authority SEND service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of statutory SEND services.
• Ensure Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments and EHCPs are completed within statutory timescales and meet high quality standards.
• Monitor and improve service performance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Oversee specialist educational placements to ensure they meet the needs identified within EHCPs.
• Manage High Needs Block funding and contribute to the equitable allocation of SEND resources.
• Lead on complex SEND casework, providing specialist advice and guidance to staff and senior managers.
• Support and advise on SEND Tribunal cases, complaints, Member enquiries and information requests.
• Produce statutory returns and performance reports using management information and service data.
• Develop and implement service improvements to enhance quality, efficiency and outcomes.
• Work closely with schools, academies, health professionals, social care teams, commissioners and partner organisations to deliver integrated SEND services.
• Represent the Local Authority at regional and national SEND meetings where required.
• Lead, develop and support staff through effective supervision, performance management and professional development.
• Promote safeguarding, equality, inclusion and best practice across the service.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualification or significant equivalent experience within SEND.
• Extensive senior leadership experience within a Local Authority SEND service.
• Significant experience managing statutory SEND processes and EHCP delivery.
• Thorough knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Experience managing complex SEND casework, including Tribunal preparation and resolution.
• Knowledge of High Needs funding and specialist education placements.
• Experience working collaboratively with parents, carers, schools, health services and partner agencies.
• Strong understanding of performance management, service improvement and quality assurance.
• Experience managing staff, improving performance and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Evidence of continuing professional development within SEND.
• Experience representing a Local Authority at regional or national SEND forums.
• Experience managing SEND service budgets and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections and improvement programmes.

Key Skills

• Statutory SEND
• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• SEND Code of Practice
• Children and Families Act 2014
• SEND Tribunals
• High Needs Funding
• SEND Service Management
• Service Improvement
• Performance Management
• Partnership Working
• Leadership & People Management
• Complex Case Management

Ideal Background

Suitable applicants will have held positions such as SEND Service Manager, SEND Operations Manager, SEN Manager, SEND Team Manager, Head of SEND Operations, Assistant Head of SEND, or Statutory SEND Manager within a Local Authority.