Children's Service Manager Statutory SEND Service

Nottinghamshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Generous leave

Job summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking a Children’s Service Manager to lead the Statutory SEND Service, implementing SEND reforms and promoting inclusive practice for children with education, health and care plans. You will work with the SEND Partnership Team to improve outcomes and ensure early intervention.

The role requires senior leadership experience in children's services, a solid understanding of SEND legislation, and the ability to use performance data to drive service improvements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in managing teams within children's services.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation (Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice).
• Proven ability to use performance data to inform decision-making and drive service improvements.

Responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring a dedicated team to deliver high-quality services for children with SEND.
• Building strong relationships with partners, school leaders, parents, and carers to foster confidence in the SEND system.
• Developing and implementing strategies that ensure early intervention and support for children with SEND.
• Overseeing the quality assurance of SEND services and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for children and families.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

SEND knowledge

Performance data analysis

Education

Degree in SEND/education/health/social care

Job description

Salary £54,143 - £59,748 per annum

Type of vacancy Permanent

Work pattern Full Time

Hours per week 37

Work Base Meadow House, Mansfield

Working Arrangements Hybrid

Job Description / Person Specification JDPS.pdf – 218KB Opens in a new window

Competency Framework Tier 5

Number of posts 1

Interview date 16 October 2026

Closing Date 12 October 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Join Nottinghamshire County Council, a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead our Statutory SEND Service, where you will work closely with our SEND Partnership Team. You will play a vital role in implementing SEND Reforms, focusing on innovative practices that support children with education, health, and care plans. Your leadership will promote mainstream inclusion, helping children with SEND to attend, achieve, belong, and thrive in their local communities. Don't miss out on this chance to make a real difference!

As the Children's Service Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and inspiring a dedicated team to deliver high-quality services for children with SEND.
• Building strong relationships with partners, school leaders, parents, and carers to foster confidence in the SEND system.
• Developing and implementing strategies that ensure early intervention and support for children with SEND.
• Overseeing the quality assurance of SEND services and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for children and families.

To Excel In This Role, You Will Need

• Significant experience in managing teams and providing effective leadership within children's services.
• A strong understanding of SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Proven ability to use performance data to inform decision-making and drive service improvements.
• A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as SEND, education, health, or social care.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Demonstrate

• Outstanding leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in performance management.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and a passion for improving outcomes for children and families.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer

• A place to belong: a friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• Generous leave entitlements and a supportive environment that prioritises your well-being.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, we want to hear from you!

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Claire Sampson on 07734058585 or by email [e-mail].

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.