Job Description

Details

• Reference: SCC/TP/287911/2625
• Positions: 1
• Salary: The salary range for this post is xc2xa387,561- xc2xa398,431 per annum
• Category: Executive Senior Management
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 36 hours per week
• Posted on: 24 February 2025
• Closing date: 9 March 2025
• Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning
• Location: Woking Surrey but with travel around the county

DescriptionWe are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.This role has a salary range of xc2xa387,561- xc2xa398,431 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.About UsJoin our forward-thinking team, under our newly appointed permanent Director for Education and Lifelong Learning- Julia Katherine, as our next Assistant Director for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a career enhancing opportunity, which offers the scope and breadth for the right individual to drive ongoing improvements to Surrey's SEND service, to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities and their familiesSurrey County Council (SCC) is unashamedly ambitious about what we can achieve, and the difference we can make to the children and young people of Surrey. Our guiding principle of 'No One Left Behind', runs through the way we seek to achieve our priority objectives and the way we deliver services. You will be a pivotal part of the senior leadership team in our Education and Lifelong Learning service, at the heart of maximising options for children and young people to access high quality educational opportunities that enhance their sense of purpose, fulfillment, and future prospects.About the RoleAs our Assistant Director for SEND, you will be responsible for delivering the statutory functions of the local authority, including the co-ordination of Education Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA) and statutory Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual reviews, and all associated tasks. You will work within the parameters of budget responsibilities, whilst meeting statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014.Some of the key responsibilities and focus for this role include:

• Leading on activities linked to statutory duties and compliance including- ensuring EHCNA and Annual Review statutory duties are met, providing expert advice on statutory SEND processes to Members and senior leaders, leading on audits, complaints, and dispute resolution strategies. Managing responses to inspections, legislative changes, and national policy developments.
• Leading on Strategic Planning and Development activities, including- collaboration with the Commissioning team to ensure sufficiency of SEN places, leading on SEN service elements of Key Stage Transfer, and SEN strategies for Preparation for Adulthood and early years. Developing and implementing EHCP cost containment activities and strategies for SEN decision making, thresholds, and panels. Leading on safeguarding within the EHCP process, overseeing joint funding protocols and multi-agency funding processes, representing and co-chairing Joint Commissioning Panels.
• Collaboration and liaison activities, including- coordinating with the virtual school for children with EHCPs, working with Inclusion colleagues on attendance, exclusion, and alternative provision for children with EHCPs, overseeing therapy commissioning and social care roles to meet EHCP needs.

About YouWe are looking for a dynamic Assistant Director who will thrive in a leadership role and being a key part of services that champion best practice. You will be committed to enhancing educational outcomes, with a focus on ensuring learners with an additional learning need achieve their full potential through the appropriate level of support.Recognising the need for change and innovative approaches in how we do things, we're looking for an individual who can be bold, pragmatic and capable of delivering sustainable improvements for children, young people, and their families, who can navigate complex guidance and policy around SEND and safeguarding and translate this into tangible actions.To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Proven senior leadership experience within a large/ complex organisation.
• Expertise in leading educational services and improvement activity around SEND.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to constructively challenge, negotiate and influence others.
• Ability to manage workforce related issues with a focus on team performance, coaching, developing and inspiring staff to reach high levels of performance.
• Well-developed analytical skills with the ability to provide practical and creative solutions.

Because of the well documented challenges in this area, you will need to bring a strong understanding of SEND as well as a good grasp of finances and funding.Contact UsPlease contact us for any questions relating to role requirements, flexible working requests, transferable skills, or barriers to employment.For an informal discussion please contactThe contractual base for this role is our Quadrant Court office in Woking however travel around the county to meet with your team, school leaders and other partners across the education system will be required. Agile working is supported meaning you can work however, whenever, and wherever suits you best around requirements to physically attend a Surrey location.An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formally known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service.
• Buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supporting health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Paternity, adoption, and dependents leave.

Key Dates

• Job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 9th of March 2025
• Shortlisting is planned for W/C 10th March 2025
• Final assessment is planned for 14th March 2025

Final assessment is anticipated to be held face to face at our Quadrant Court office in Woking.Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more aboutBefore submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description.Our CommitmentSurrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application.
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form.

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.Files to download

• Reviewed: 25 Feb 2025

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• xc2xa9 Surrey County Council 2025
• ID: 187280

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