SEND Operational Lead
Job Description
Job Title: SEND Operational Lead
Salary: £45,624 - £52,038 per annum
Grade: F
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Thurrock SEND Team takes on many different roles for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs (SEND). As a SEND Operational Lead you will assist the Team Manager in the effective management of the statutory SEND function, supporting practice improvements through delegated management tasks and fostering strong relationships with parents, carers and key stakeholders.
This role is focused on the operational management of services for children and young people with SEND. It involves managing senior officers and their teams in overseeing processes and ensuring a high quality service delivery in line with our SEND framework.
About the Role
As a SEND Operational Lead, you will be responsible for:
- Leading the SEND Operations Team to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the council's statutory duties in relation to the assessment and review process for children and young people with SEND.
- Day to day operational management of Senior EHCP Coordinators and their teams.
- Carrying a small caseload.
- Analysing data and identifying trends to inform and influence decisions relating to EHCN assessments, EHCP reviews, and future provision development.
- Managing and/or attending various Panels within the SEND remit
- Developing the local authority's support and training for schools in relation to SEND, including the SENCO Forum meetings, and borough wide training on SEND.
- Supporting the local authority's SEND statutory functions including preparation and attendance at case management meetings, supporting the drafting of EHCPs and preparation for responses to enquiries or complaints as appropriate.
- Conducting audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
- Developing strong, effective relationships with area partners including school leaders, health and social care providers, voluntary/community sector organisations to develop and maintain effective area partnership arrangements.
- Working with children, young people and families, adopting a coproduction approach to service development and review
The role of SEND Operational Lead is essential within the delivery of SEND Services, it can be challenging yet rewarding. It offers you the opportunity to showcase your range of skills and personal attributes to effectively lead a team in a fast paced environment and to lead by example, influencing innovative practices while ensuring the best outcomes for children and families.
What We’re Looking For
A dynamic and experienced individual who is ready to take on a senior role within a multi-agency setting. You will:
- Bring experience in multi-agency environments, ideally within SEND settings
- Have a strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the 0-25 SEND Code of Practice
- Be adept at managing people and resources, with a good track record of leadership
- Excel at communication, problem-solving and organisation
- Be committed to delivering high-quality, child centred services that place families at the heart of decision making
DBS Check: Enhanced
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 21st August 2025
Closing Date (Internal & External): 31st August 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact Tina Martin, SEND Team Manager at tmartin@thurrock.gov.uk
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
About us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
Salary range
- £45,624 - £52,038 per year