Assistant Director Education, SEND and Inclusion

Tile Hill Executive Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a dynamic strategic leader to oversee Education and SEND services in North Northamptonshire. This role involves providing leadership to improve outcomes for children and young people, managing budgets, and fostering partnerships with local communities and education providers. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in educational leadership and a strong understanding of relevant policies and legislation.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in Education, SEND or Inclusion within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven record of driving improvement and managing change.
• Ability to drive and use of a vehicle for travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across areas of Education, SEND and Inclusion.
• Oversee performance and inspection readiness.
• Manage significant budgets and resources effectively.

Skills

Strategic leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Influencing and relationship-building skills

Understanding of national education and SEND policy

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Creating Brighter Futures – Where Leadership Sparks Magic

At North Northamptonshire Council, we’re building something special. Here, collaboration fuels innovation, ambition drives improvement, and every decision puts children and families first. Grounded in kindness, compassion, and care, we’re shaping services that make a genuine difference. Reporting to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, we’re seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the future.

As a key member of the Children’s Services Leadership Team, you will lead a diverse portfolio that includes Education Effectiveness, SEND Services, Inclusion, Early Years, Education Sufficiency, Admissions, Educational Psychology and Governor Development.

You’ll be the council’s lead professional for Education, SEND and Inclusion, steering a high-performing system that delivers for all learners, particularly our most vulnerable. You’ll champion inclusion, influence national and regional partners, and ensure our services are ambitious, innovative, and sustainable.

What You’ll Do

In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership and direction across all areas of Education, SEND and Inclusion, working in partnership with elected Members, schools, partners and families to deliver shared priorities and improved outcomes. You will lead transformation and improvement programmes that make a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people, ensuring that every aspect of our service reflects our commitment to excellence and inclusion.

You will oversee performance and inspection readiness, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Through strong partnership working, you will build and maintain effective relationships with local communities, education providers and national bodies to promote high standards and inclusive practice across the system.

Managing significant budgets and resources, you will ensure services are efficient, effective and sustainable - balancing innovation with robust governance. Your leadership will inspire teams to deliver exceptional outcomes and make North Northamptonshire a place where every child can thrive.

About You

You’ll be a dynamic, strategic leader with deep experience in Education, SEND or Inclusion within a large, complex organisation. You have a proven record of driving improvement, managing change, and delivering better outcomes through partnership, innovation, and co-production. You’ll bring:

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
• Significant strategic leadership experience within Education or SEND.
• Strong understanding of national education and SEND legislation and policy.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A track record of driving improvement, managing complex budgets, and leading successful teams.

Above all, you’ll be driven by a shared vision: to ensure every child and young person in North Northamptonshire thrives and reaches their full potential.

Please note this role requires the ability to drive and use of a vehicle, as this role requires travel.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.brighterfuturennc.com or, for a confidential conversation, call Zee Rasool (07551 392696) or Anita Denton (07725 554802) at Tile Hill.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 30th November 2025

To apply

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact [e-mail]

Applications should include

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please [e-mail].