Head of SEND

HEAD OF SEND

£68,000 – £75,000 + Package
Southeast London
Hybrid working (2-3 days on site)
CVs are being reviewed immediately

If you’re driven by impact, improvement and outcomes for children and young people, this is the opportunity that will genuinely stretch and reward you. As the Head of SEND, you will report directly into the Strategic Head of Education and gives you full accountability for a high‑profile, politically sensitive service at the heart of the organisation.

You will lead multiple specialist teams, hold responsibility for statutory delivery across the 0–25 SEND pathway and influence how services are commissioned, shaped and improved. This is a role where your decisions matter, your leadership is visible and your expertise is valued.
You will take ownership of performance, quality assurance and service transformation, working across education, health and care partners to ensure families experience a joined‑up, transparent and responsive system. With a strong focus on data, governance and outcomes, this role offers the chance to stabilise, improve and leave a lasting legacy.

Your role as Head of SEND:

• Lead statutory SEND functions across assessment, provision and EHCP delivery
• Drive service improvement, performance management and quality assurance
• Provide visible leadership to managers and multi‑disciplinary teams
• Build strong partnerships with schools, health and families
• Own decision‑making, panels, budgets and resource allocation

You will be trusted to operate with a high level of autonomy, manage complex risk and confidently engage with senior stakeholders, including elected members. Your ability to balance operational grip with strategic thinking will be critical to success.

Your previous experience as Head of SEND:

• Extensive senior experience within a SEND or education environment
• Deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes
• Proven track record of multi‑agency working and system leadership
• Strong background in data, performance and inspection readiness
• Confident leading teams through change, challenge and improvement

This is an ideal opportunity if you are an experienced SEND leader looking for a role with pace, purpose and profile. You will be empowered to make decisions, influence direction and deliver tangible improvements for children, young people and their families.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a strong fit for this Head of SEND role, please get in touch today or apply now.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do reach out.)