Interim Assistant Director Education Strategy Access and Inclusion

Civic Recruitment Limited; Lambeth; On-site; CAD 113,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an Interim Assistant Director of Education Strategy, Access & Inclusion in Lambeth. The post leads on education strategy, inclusion, SEND services, and pupil place planning within a local authority context.

It requires senior leadership experience and a proven track record in transforming education services. The role oversees admissions, vulnerable pupil services and regulatory readiness, with a focus on inclusive education and strong partnership with schools

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in education services, local authority education, school leadership, or within a large Multi-Academy Trust.
• Experience leading SEND, Inclusion, Educational Psychology, Admissions, or Vulnerable Pupil Services.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into operational delivery and measurable outcomes.
• History of leading large-scale service improvement and transformation programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across education provision, inclusion and SEND services.
• Oversee admissions, vulnerable pupil services, and pupil place planning.
• Lead policy development and implementation for education strategy and inclusion.
• Prepare and manage inspections and improvement plans (Ofsted, etc.).
• Advise Director and stakeholders on policy and strategy.

Skills

Senior leadership

SEND services

Educational Psychology

Admissions

Pupil place planning

Strategic policy

Regulatory inspections

Education

Degree-level education

PGCE / QTS

Professional leadership development

Job description

Interim Assistant Director Education Strategy Access and Inclusion

Lambeth, United Kingdom | Posted on 13/08/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

3 months contract with a local authority

Summary

• The Interim Assistant Director for Education Strategy, Access & Inclusion is a pivotal role within the local authority, tasked with providing strategic leadership across various educational domains. This includes overseeing education provision, inclusion, SEND services, admissions, services for vulnerable pupils, educational psychology, outreach services, and pupil place planning. The position is crucial for shaping and implementing policies that enhance educational outcomes and ensure inclusive education for all children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Offer strategic guidance and leadership for SEND services, Educational Psychology, Virtual School, Outreach Services, Inclusion Teams, and Vulnerable Pupil Services.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations under the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, and related legislation.
• Lead the strategic direction for Education Strategy, Access, and Inclusion services throughout the borough.
• Spearhead the development and execution of education policies, service transformation programs, and improvement initiatives.
• Guarantee the availability of sufficient high-quality school places to meet both current and future demands.
• Oversee school admissions, Fair Access Protocols, pupil place planning, and services for vulnerable pupils.
• Propel the council's vision for inclusive education and enhanced outcomes for children and young people.
• Serve as a principal advisor to the Director, elected members, schools, and senior stakeholders on education policy and strategy.
• Lead preparations for Ofsted, CQC, and other regulatory inspections, ensuring compliance and the effective execution of improvement plans.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in education services, local authority education, school leadership, or within a large Multi-Academy Trust.
• Demonstrated experience in leading SEND, Inclusion, Educational Psychology, Admissions, or Vulnerable Pupil Services.
• Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into operational delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Strong history of leading large-scale service improvement and transformation programs.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Degree-level education or equivalent.
• PGCE, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or an equivalent professional education qualification.
• Ongoing professional development relevant to senior leadership and education services.

Additional Information

• Contract Duration: 3 months with a local authority
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
• Location: 6 Brixton Hill, London, Lambeth, SW2 1RW, United Kingdom
• Start Date: ASAP
• Application Deadline: 28th August 2026.