The Role

Are you someone who is resilient and won’t ever give up on a child?

Does the sound of helping children and young people become the best version of themselves appeal to you?

Would you like to spend every day at work knowing that you have made a difference to the lived experiences of children and young people in Wandsworth?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are looking to recruit a dynamic Head of SEND & Inclusion to join our Wandsworth Children’s Services Department and play a central role in our transformation journey. The position is based in Wandsworth and you will be responsible for SEND services across this borough only.

About the service

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to join a service which is transforming its shape in order to strengthen even further the support provided to over 2000 children and young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans.

We are proud of the diversity and choice Wandsworth provides in terms of its provision for our children and young people with special needs.

Co-production with children, parents, carers and schools is at the heart of our work.

Wandsworth’s Children’s Services Department has a completely new senior leadership team committed to driving forward change and delivering improved outcomes for children.

We are expanding our Special Needs Assessment Service and we are implementing the changes for our redesigned ASD Advisory Support Service.

We are looking to recruit a strategic leader to join the service at a time of considerable change. Reporting into the Assistant Director of Education, the Head of SEND & Inclusion will be a key member of their management team to support Children and Young People.

About the role

The role will focus on revisiting our approach to governance arrangements for SEND including developing the strategy and a robust quality assurance framework, working in partnership with health commissioners and providers, alongside effective delivery of our statutory services. Managing key budgets and working collaboratively across the department and in partnership with schools, parents and carers are also key functions of the role.

You will be responsible for driving forward further improvements and partnership working following our recent local area SEND inspection. Relevant experience in similar roles is essential.

Key requirements of this position include:

• Experience and capability to plan, strategically implement and manage service transformation, policy change and quality assurance frameworks
• You’ll have high levels of political awareness and sensitivity, to allow you to shape and lead services to improve educational outcomes for Wandsworth children and young people.
• Solid knowledge of SEN related legislation predominantly focusing on the Children and Families Act 2014 and its code of practice.
• Significant experience in running a range of statutory SEND Services.
• Experience and capability to plan and strategically implement policy change and quality assurance frameworks
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of partners.

Benefits
In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.  In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Advert close date: Sunday 8^th November 2020
• Shortlisting date: Friday 13^th November 2020
• Interview date/s: Thursday 19^th November (children’s panel) & Friday 20^th November (main interview)

Useful Information:
Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply?

To be considered for interview your CV and supporting statement must address the requirements listed in attached Job Profile and Person Specification located at the bottom of the advert.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact either Lisa Fenaroli or Yvonne Calvey by email Lisa.Fenaroli@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or Yvonne.Calvey@RichmondandWandsworth.gov.uk

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils