Head of SEND

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 area

Key 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 required

Leadership & 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 Team

Skills, 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 families

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS required
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours commitments
• Willingness to travel within and occasionally outside the borough

What’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)