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)
Salary description
£526.00 - £526.00 per day