We are working with a local authority to recruit an experienced Head of SEN Strategy, Assessment and Review to join the council and play a key role in developing and leading on funding the proposals which underpin the SEND Financial Strategy.

You will be responsible for the effective operation of the Local Authorities duties and responsibilities in relation to children and young people from 0-25years of age with special educational needs and disabilities withing the framework of the Education Act 1996, the children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2001 and 2015, and related legislation guidance. In addition to be responsible for the effective development and implementation of the Local Authority’s SEND Programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversight of the Local Authority’s education, health and care plans ensuring a coordinated process and developing co-production with social care and health services
• Establishing and maintaining strong mechanisms for contract monitoring in independent day and residential schools, out of borough schools, independent specialist college placements and further education mainstream settings. Responsibility for the development and ongoing review of the funding arrangements for mainstream, special and resourced schools
• Responsibile for commissioning SEN Transport and for the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy 0-25.
• Developing revenue funding mechanisms for SEND and capital schemes with stakeholders following consultation to meet the bespoke needs of the Council
• Responsibile for the line management of 6 direct reports and a total of 15 staff

Skills, experience, and knowledge required:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent or has the equivalent work experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Ability to develop and understand implications of financial modelling including DSG and HNB funding systems
• Extensive and current knowledge and thorough understanding of the SEND reforms introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014 and other guidance and legislation
• Developing strategic funding arrangements, in partnership with Stakeholders and securing agreement through Governance Structures including making recommendations to the Schools Forum and gaining approval.