Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead

Job Title: Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead (Interim – 6 Month Contract)
Location: Northwest
Contract Type: Interim (6 months)
Salary: £500-£600 per day

We are seeking an ambitious, dynamic, and experienced Strategic SEND and Inclusion Lead to join a high-performing local authority in the Northwest on an interim basis. This is a critical senior leadership role within the service, reporting to the Executive Director of Education.

You’ll provide strategic leadership for all aspects of SEND and Inclusion, ensuring high-quality statutory assessment services, Educational Psychology, and specialist support for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the local authority’s SEND and Inclusion strategy and statutory responsibilities.
• Oversee the implementation of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme to drive improvements and financial sustainability.
• Champion co-production with children, young people, and their families to shape inclusive services.
• Represent the authority in readiness for any SEND inspections and ensure alignment with current inspection frameworks.
• Manage high-risk, high value SEND services and lead multi-disciplinary teams including Educational Psychologists and SEND Heads of Service.
• Foster a strong partnership culture with schools, settings, health partners, and parent carer forums.

Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in local authority SEND services.
• Deep understanding of statutory frameworks, high needs funding, and performance-led service improvement.
• A confident communicator and relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence and political acumen.
• Capable of leading inspection processes and influencing multi-agency strategic direction.
• Resilient, proactive, and outcome focused.

Desirable:

• Degree qualification and management/leadership training (e.g. NPQICL or equivalent).
• Experience leading or supporting local authorities through Ofsted/CQC SEND inspections.

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