Team Lead - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Operations
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £53,051 - £57,439 per annum
The Special Educational Needs (SEND) Operations Team is looking for an experienced and motivated leader to join us as a Team Lead within a defined locality.
This is an exciting time of transformation for SEND and Inclusion in Devon County Council, and you will be joining us at an important stage in the continued development of our SEND Operations service. The Team Lead role provides leadership and management of the operational delivery of the Council's statutory SEND duties, supporting consistent practice and effective service delivery.
As Team Lead, you will provide strong operational leadership to colleagues delivering statutory SEND processes. You will have a key role in ensuring that work is progressed consistently, efficiently and within statutory requirements, whilst maintaining a clear focus on the quality of practice and the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.
You will use performance information and data to understand demand, identify areas requiring improvement and support your team to prioritise effectively. The Team Lead role has responsibility for robust performance management of EHCP processes and ensuring that statutory duties are met.
You will take an active role in driving continuous service improvement, translating performance information, feedback and learning from complaints and complex cases into practical changes that strengthen the quality, consistency and responsiveness of the service. You will support the team to embed improved ways of working and monitor their impact.
You will also provide oversight and guidance on complex cases, supporting colleagues to analyse information, resolve challenges and coordinate timely action with families and partner agencies. You will respond to complaints and escalated concerns with empathy, clarity and professionalism, ensuring that issues are thoroughly considered, responses are timely and learning informs future practice.
A key part of the role will be leading and developing people. We are looking for someone who can provide clear direction while creating a supportive working environment, effectively managing workloads, delegating responsibilities and developing staff.
You will also build strong working relationships with families, schools and settings, health, social care and other partners, helping to ensure communication is timely and clear and that our approach is collaborative and centred around children and young people. Partnership working across education, health, social care and community services is a core responsibility of the Team Lead role.
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
- have extensive experience of working in education and/or with children and young people with SEND;
- have a strong understanding of SEND legislation and the statutory responsibilities, including the Children and Families Act 2014;
- understand the importance of effective statutory SEND processes, supported by strong operational oversight;
- can lead, motivate and develop colleagues and manage competing priorities;
- are confident using data and performance information to identify priorities and drive improvement;
- can work collaboratively with families, education settings and partner agencies;
- can respond effectively to complex situations, complaints and challenges; and
- can bring a relational, solutions-focused approach to leadership.
We want a leader who understands that good SEND practice is not simply about meeting timescales. It is about ensuring that statutory processes make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people and that families and professionals experience a service that is responsive, clear and respectful.
You will be expected to promote a culture of co-production and relational practice, including embedding Devon's Four Cornerstones approach within the work of the team.
Our offer to you
Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
- 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
- Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
- Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
- Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.
For an informal discussion, please contact Hannah Downing: email hannah.downing@devon.gov.uk.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click apply now for the Job Description and Person Specification.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ010880