Assistant Director, Education, Inclusion and Additional Needs
Job Description
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA
Salary: £98,673 - £111,606 (pro-rata for part-time) (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 20th August 2026
Our vision for Leicestershire’s children and young people is simple and clear: to help them build strong foundations, stay safe, feel they belong, and enjoy and achieve. The Children and Family Departmental plan sets out our vision and the values and behaviours that underpins all that we do. The Director and Assistant Directors ensure that we lead with ambition, integrity and with a clear focus on improving the lives children, young people and their families by designing and delivering high quality services.
Our new Belonging in Education strategy sets out an ambitious, collaborative and evidence-informed roadmap towards a system where every child enters school knowing: This is a place for me. I matter here. I can be myself here. I can thrive here.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join us and help sustain the rapid improvement already underway across Leicestershire. You will lead the full range of Education, SEND and Inclusion services across the county, serving as our principal advisor on policy developments and legislation affecting education and inclusion.
Education sits at the heart of Children’s Services in Leicestershire, supporting 100,000 pupils across early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. In this role, you will be a visible and influential system leader, driving change across the county. You will oversee a highly motivated and effective team of six Heads of Service, united by a positive culture of self-improvement, ambition and commitment to our communities. Although we face the same structural pressures as other authorities nationally, our innovative and pragmatic approach has delivered sustained progress in recent years, and we will look to you to build on that success.
Candidates will bring a deep understanding of education and the local authority role in delivering excellent services, alongside the political sensitivity to navigate complex conversations about inclusion. You will have a proven track record of delivering meaningful SEND reform within financial constraints, improving inclusion in mainstream schools, and building strong relationships with school and Trust leaders. Experience of managing DSG deficits and High Needs, while expanding high-quality provision, is essential. You will also demonstrate how to sustain strong educational outcomes while supporting vulnerable learners.
For more information and to apply, please visit Faerfield.co.uk/Leicestershire
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About us
About Leicestershire County Council
At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.
Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.
For further information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:
Our Recruitment Process
Our Organisational Values
Our Employee Benefits
Working for Us
Salary range
- £98,673 - £111,606 per year