SEND Improvement Manager
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.
We have an exciting opportunity for a SEND Improvement Manager, to help us shape a better future for children and young people with Special Educational Needs.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
About you...
As the SEND Improvement Manager, you will be a confident and credible leader with:
- Extensive experience in the SEND system and deep knowledge of statutory responsibilities.
- A track record of driving improvement in complex, multi-agency environments.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Political awareness and the ability to operate effectively in a high-stakes, high-profile context.
- A collaborative, resilient and solution-focused approach.
This is your opportunity to lead change, influence strategy, and improve lives.
About the team...
You will join a supportive, collaborative and values-driven environment where your expertise will be respected and your voice heard.
You will work closely with senior leaders across education, health and care, and be at the heart of a passionate partnership committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs.
Bracknell Forest believe that every child and young person should have access to high quality education, with the right support at the right time, so that they can achieve the best outcomes possible as adults. Our purpose is to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to achieve their outcomes so that they can live their best lives.
Key responsibilities...
- Lead the implementation of our SEND improvement plan.
- Provide expert technical guidance on SEND policy and practice to partners across the local area.
- Coordinate and direct the work of multi-disciplinary teams, influencing without formal authority.
- Produce high-quality reports and briefings for senior leaders, elected members and national regulators.
- Champion co-production and ensure the voices of children, young people and families shape our improvement journey.
Our benefits...
- 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days*.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
*(pro rata for part time)
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on: to be confirmed
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Grainne Siggins, Executive Director: People
Email: grainne.siggins@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
or
Duane Chappell, Assistant Director – Education and Learning
Email: duane.chappell@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Salary range
- £61,820 - £67,373 per year