Access to Education Deputy Area Lead

Surrey County Council; Knaphill; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in England is seeking a Deputy Area A2E Lead to support children and young people unable to attend school. You will manage teachers, oversee safeguarding, and contribute to service development in a dynamic educational environment. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. A full-time role with a competitive salary and benefits are offered, including hybrid working options.

Benefits

Generous local-government pension

26 days holiday, increasing with service

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience of managing staff and working with young people.
• Strong knowledge of SEND and inclusive learning environments.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Line manage teachers delivering education to pupils out of school.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Oversee reporting, quality assurance and complex case management.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Case-management skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant degree

Tools

MS Office

Data-management systems

Job description

About the Role

We are excited to be hiring a Deputy Area A2E Lead to join our Access to Education (A2E) service, supporting children and young people who are unable to attend school.

This is a key leadership role working alongside the Area A2E Lead to ensure high‑quality educational provision for pupils where the Council has a statutory duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Line manage teachers delivering education to pupils out of school.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Represent A2E at multi‑agency meetings (CIN, ICPC, RCPC, Core Group, TAF).
• Deputise for the Area Lead and contribute to strategic service development.
• Support policy and practice compliance with national standards.
• Oversee reporting, quality assurance and complex case management.
• Undertake home visits and risk assessments for new referrals.
• Maintain DBS and ID records for staff, investigate safeguarding concerns and ensure operational compliance with confidentiality guidelines and information governance.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree.
• Experience of managing staff and working with young people.
• Strong knowledge of SEND and inclusive learning environments.
• Excellent communication, case‑management and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and multi‑agency partners.
• Competence in MS Office and data‑management systems.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Why Join Us?

A2E operates in a dynamic environment supporting high‑need groups across Surrey. You will be part of a committed team making a real difference to children’s lives, with opportunities for professional development and involvement in shaping service strategy. Our A2E Service provides education for pupils aged 5‑16 who are out of full‑time education, often due to medical reasons, complex SEND needs or social, emotional and mental health needs.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Salary: £47,142 – £51,175 per annum, full time (36‑hour week) based at our Victoria Gate office in Woking, with hybrid working options.

Holiday: 26 days (up to 28 after 2 years, 31 after 5 years) plus option to purchase up to 10 additional days.

Pension: Generous local‑government salary‑related pension.

Other: Up to 5 days of carer's leave, 2 paid volunteering days per year, paternity, adoption and dependents leave; Employee Assistance Programme; learning and development hub; wellbeing and lifestyle discounts.

Application Deadline

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 7 December 2025. Interviews are planned to follow, likely on 15 and 16 December 2025.

Reorganisation Note

Surrey County Council is undergoing local‑government reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations.

Join Us

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents.