Head of SEND - Local Inclusion Support Offer
Northumberland County Council is seeking an exceptional leader for this pivotal new role. Working in collaboration with our schools, settings and multiple partners the successful candidate will further develop systems, frameworks and relationships to ensure all our children, young people and families who experience special education needs and disabilities have their needs well met in all areas of the county.
The Government White Paper and Green Consultation Paper are clear about the expectation and direction for Children and Young People to have stronger outcomes, and where this is appropriate to do so while attending their local mainstream school. The successful candidate will lead on this key objective, providing support and guidance to schools and settings to achieve this challenging ask.
The post will involve working very closely with the Head of SEND (Statutory, Specialist and Strategic Partnerships) and all members of the Local Area SEND Partnership. The relational practice expectation for this post is very high; you will co-produce policy and practice to ensure collective ownership and to rapidly meet our joint priorities and ambitions.
The post holder will be line managed by the Director of Education, SEND and Skills. They will be held to account for and report progress within the Local Area SEND Reform Plan to the SEND Local Partnership boards, council governance structures and to the DfE during our termly updates.
As a part of the wider Children's Services Directorate the post holder will work to deliver on all the Council’s corporate priorities. As part of the directorate management team, they will work collaboratively and collegiately for all families in Northumberland applying best value for money via effective and efficient services.
In summary, the Head of SEND for the Local Inclusion Support Offer will:
- Serve schools, settings and families in meeting white and green paper expectations through coordinating the Locality Inclusion Support Offer for Northumberland
- Identify, promote and share inclusive practices that supports universal and targeted interventions for learners
- Work positively and collaboratively with all colleagues including schools, settings, post 16 providers, Parent Carer Forum, other LA’s, Social Care and Health partners
- Lead a selection of NCC SEND teams
- Be responsible for a range of SEND budgets and ensure best value for money
- Drive innovation across the system, reducing inequalities, preventing exclusion and improving life chances for children and young people
- Ensure robust performance frameworks are in place to monitor impact and continuously improve services
About you
We are looking for a credible and influential leader with:
- Significant senior leadership experience within SEND and education systems
- A strong track record of leading on inclusive practice and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
- Significant experience of co-production, working with parent carers, partners and wider voice forum to shape practice, policy and direction
- Experience of leading through complexity, driving transformation and developing high-performing teams
- The ability to build, develop and extend effective partnerships across organisations and influence at senior level
- Strong financial and resource management expertise within a public sector context
You will bring strategic insight, resilience and innovation, with the ability to navigate complexity and deliver meaningful change across a large and diverse system.
Further information
This is a permanent post with a start date to be agreed. Salary is Band 14 £80,779 - £90,216
Any interested candidates should contact Anita Bingham on Anita.Bingham@northumberland.gov.uk, to arrange an exploratory call with Director of Education, SEND and Skills, David Street.
This role is based at County Hall, Morpeth, and requires regular on-site attendance, together with a willingness to travel across Northumberland on a very regular basis. A blended working approach is supported however our successful candidate will be expected to work in line with the Council’s WorkSmart principles, which guide how, when and where work is delivered based on organisational need.
Closing date of advert is 14th September at noon.
Interviews will take place on 28th & 29th of September 2026.
To be considered for this post, you must use the Supporting Information section of the application form to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Why choose us?
Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.
This is a unique opportunity to lead Northumberland's vision for inclusion, supporting schools and settings to develop innovative approaches that enable more children and young people with SEND to thrive in their local communities.
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please click here.
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