Job Description

Head of SEND

Location: South London (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)

Contract Type: Initially 3 months

Day Rate: £526.56 (Umbrella per day)/(£400.42 PAYE per day)

About the Role

A South London local authority is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of SEND to provide high-quality leadership across its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service and wider SEND partnership.

This is a senior system leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering an inclusive, integrated SEND service that improves outcomes and lived experiences for children, young people, and their families.

You will work closely with schools, health partners, social care, and voluntary organisations to ensure a joined-up, high-performing SEND system aligned to national policy and local priorities.

Main Purpose

Provide strategic and operational leadership of the SEN service and SEND system partnerships

Develop and deliver the SEND strategic vision and priorities

Champion children and young people with SEND and their families

Ensure high-quality operational delivery through direct services and commissioning

Drive an inclusive, sustainable, and consistent SEND experience across the local areaKey Responsibilities

Lead and improve high-quality, efficient and outcome-focused SEN services

Embed performance management, quality assurance, and data-driven service improvement

Provide cross-sector leadership across education, health, and social care

Oversee joint commissioning and integrated service delivery

Advise senior leaders including the Director of Education and elected members

Lead workforce development, recruitment, and team performance

Manage budgets, resources, and commissioned services effectively

Shape SEND strategy in line with national reforms and improvement plans

Promote co-production, ensuring the voice of children, young people, and families informs service design

Deputise for the Director of Education where requiredLeadership & Management

You will lead a high-profile SEN leadership structure including:

SEN Statutory Assessment Team

Tribunals and Mediation (including customer engagement)

SEN Outreach Services

SEND Programme TeamSkills, Knowledge & Experience

Proven senior leadership experience within a complex SEN/SEND service

Strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams

Experience of commissioning and managing complex budgets

Deep understanding of SEN legislation and national SEND policy

Ability to lead system-wide partnerships across education, health, and care

Strong performance management and data analysis capability

Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills

Commitment to inclusion, equality, and improving outcomes for children and familiesAdditional Requirements

Enhanced DBS required

Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours commitments

Willingness to travel within and occasionally outside the boroughWhat’s on Offer

Senior interim leadership role in a high-impact SEND environment

Opportunity to shape local SEND strategy and service transformation

Hybrid working model (2 days onsite per week)

Competitive day rate of £526.56 (umbrella)