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SEND Team Lead

Job details
Posting date: 19 April 2024
Salary: £38,223 per year
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 02 May 2024
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX
Company: Suffolk County Council
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: 14795

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Summary

- Suffolk County Council - Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
- £38,223 - £44,305 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
- Permanent
- 2 positions available

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to Suffolk. That’s why, when you join us as a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Team Lead, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services.

Reimagine the possibilities.



Suffolk County Council has pledged its commitment to improve services for Children and Young People with SEND and features in the Suffolk corporate strategy as a key priority for Suffolk major programmes. For more information, please visit our plans and priorities (suffolk.gov.uk).
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEND Lead to join our children’s services as we make significant investments in our SEND services including the recent 3.4 million investment in staffing as part of our commitment to improve the experiences of children, young people with SEND and their families.


We have two posts available:
- Post 1: Assessment Request and Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Team
- Post 2: Annual Review Triage Team

Your role and responsibilities
You will:

- provide direct operational management of the Assessment Request and EHCNA team or the Annual Review Triage team
- contribute to the operational development of the SEND service, monitoring, tracking, and reviewing team performance
- collaborate closely with partners across SEND including the Designated Social Care Officers (DSCOs) and Designated Clinical Officers (DCOs) in schools, to ensure information is shared and received in a timely manner and effective joint working
- oversee the quality assurance of amending and writing plans from within the service and outsourced companies, ensuring Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are compliant, person centred, and reflective of all advice received
- undertake staff supervision, performance management and professional development through performance and development reviews (PDRs)
- work with schools, professionals and families in relation to compliance to the SEND Code of practice
- maintain, develop and enhance relationships with SENCO’s/Education sector
- ensure the team maintain high quality and timely communication with families.
Overall, you will play a vital role in driving continuous improvement of SEND services through operational leadership and strategic input.



What you will need

- A passion for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk.
- Comprehensive knowledge of SEND legislation, policies and safeguarding practices.
- SEND experience
- Experience of multi-agency working within social care, health and education.
- The ability to inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team.
- Strong financial, risk and performance management capabilities.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply.



What we will offer you

- The chance to play a key role in improving our SEND services in Suffolk as we make significant investments.
- Experience shaping strategy and leading service development in a critical area.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression.
- The chance to be part of a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment all working towards the same goal.


Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include all communities we serve in our representation. To achieve this, we encourage applications from everyone.


For more information



For more information for an informal discussion about this role, please contact Wendy Allen (she/her) by calling 01473 260478 or emailing wendy.allen@suffolk.gov.uk


How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (docx).

1. Describe a time when you used solution-focused approaches to work collaboratively with children, young people and their families to address their concerns. How did you clarify the risks and concerns and focus on solutions to create a climate for change?
2. Provide an example of when you had to challenge colleagues or partners to ensure the statutory rights of service users were upheld. How did you navigate this situation effectively?
3. Describe a time when you had to supervise and coach staff. How did you support, advise and motivate the team to deliver high-quality services? What leadership skills did you demonstrate?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk


Closing date: 11.30pm, 2 May 2024.
Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:


up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
plus more!


If you would like to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Working for Suffolk County Council pages (www.Suffolk.gov.uk/careers).

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