It is an exciting time to join Bracknell Forest, we are looking for a Strategic Lead for SEN Statutory Services who not only has the experience, knowledge and ability to impact on outcomes, but also the empathy to understand the pressures within the SEND sector both regionally and nationally and who has ideas to make improvements and the courage to lead a team to implement change through co-production.

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 1260 children and young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. We are proud with the diversity and the choice Bracknell Forest 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. We are expanding our Special Needs Assessment Service and we are implementing the changes for our redesigned SEN Specialist Support Services.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic and strategic leader to join the service at a time of considerable change. Reporting into the Assistant Director of Education and Learning, the Head of SEND Statutory and Specialist Support Services will be a key member of their management team to support Children and Young People. This is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Because we’re Bracknell Forest

What it's like working in our team...

In this role you will work as part of a highly skilled team of senior leaders, developing strong professional relationships with education providers, health partners, third sector, parents / carers and key stakeholders.

You will be supported to carry out the following duties, responsibilities and training...

• Provide leadership and management of the Council’s work in challenging and supporting improved outcomes and services for children and young people with SEND.
• Overall responsibility for the strategic management and development of those SEND services as determined by the Assistant Director and to promote a culture of continuous improvement, business effectiveness and staff development.
• Act as the Council’s lead expert and advisor on strategies for improving the quality of outcomes for children and young people with SEND, being accountable for improving life chances for vulnerable learners across Bracknell Forest schools including post-16 providers.
• Lead the SEN agenda with the Pupil Referral Unit and Alternative Provision providers.

The benefits you will experience are...

• An inclusive and social working environment.
• Hybrid working and a flexi-time scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Regular opportunities for development with internal and external training courses.
• A great office location next to travel links and the regenerated town centre.
• Internal sports and social club opportunities.
• Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
• Supermarket discount.
• An interest free loan for a rail season ticket.

What we're looking for...

An innovative, creative and progressive professional to lead the SEND team in Bracknell Forest Council. To lead the work of partners in the SEND team, collaboratively working with parents, social care, health colleagues and wider inclusion services to ensure that outcomes for children and young people with SEND are promoted and supported in all settings. An ability to work closely with leaders from early years, mainstream and special school settings and the ability to form positive and constructive relationships will be key for the successful candidate.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on 20th April 2023 (tbc)

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Cheryl Eyre, Assistant Director Education and Learning

Email: cheryl.eyre@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Tel.: 01344 351492

As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.

No agencies please.