Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Hackney Education provides a range of services to support the education of children, young people and adults in our inner London borough. Hackney is one of the UK’s highest performing local authorities, serving one of London’s best places to live and work. Within our diverse borough we serve a wide range of children and young people. We have a particular focus on supporting less advantaged families: Hackney figures in the 10% most deprived boroughs in England on a number of measures. 

Hackney Education’s key priority is to improve the life chances of every child, young person and learner: making Hackney the most forward looking education system in the UK, where schools, settings and partners provide an exciting environment which ensures inclusion and success for everyone. We see our borough as being one of the best places in the country for young people to grow, learn, develop and achieve –and one of the best places for colleagues to work and thrive in our education system.

Job title Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Salary (P015, £80,229 to £83,448, + market supplement of up to 10%)

Terms and Conditions Full time, permanent 

Start date: ASAP 

We are seeking an outstanding leader to take up this essential post in our education service. We are looking for someone who is experienced in leading in the SEND field, who is confident to champion young people and schools, and who has excellent skills in working with a range of partners. 

We are looking for an individual who can develop people, teams and systems in looking to ensure the best for our children.

Hackney SEND services play a key role within the education system. We advocate and enable provision for the borough’s children. 

You will line manage a number of well established services including the education health care planning team, the educational psychology team and the specialist teaching team. You will report to the Assistant Director, SEND and Inclusion. 

We are looking to recruit an experienced professional who will build on recent local developments and continue the drive to ensure outstanding services for all vulnerable groups of children. The successful candidate will have a clear vision and passion for best provision for children.

A track record of recent success in a senior local authority post, or in an education setting, leading and managing in the context of SEN is highly desirable, as is a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of SEN and Inclusion legislation and issues. Experience of working closely with stakeholders including schools, health services and the voluntary sector is advantageous.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and people from a black and ethnic minority background as these groups are currently under represented in our workforce.

DBS check required for this role: Yes

Interested? 

To apply for this role please complete the application.

Closing date: 8 December 2024 (22:59 pm)

If you require specific information about the post please contact Joe Wilson, AD SEND and Inclusion joe.wilson@hackney.gov.uk

NB: The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

* Annual Increments subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.

Hackney Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. As this role involves regulated activity, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and additional pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.