Head of Education SEND and Safeguarding

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Head of Education SEND and Safeguarding to lead the reform of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services. The role involves building partnerships, driving service improvements, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in education and a strong commitment to children's outcomes. Interviews are scheduled for 26 September, and the position offers a full-time contract with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in education or children’s services.
• Energy and drive to make a real difference.
• Integrity to work collaboratively with partners.
• Strong track record in improving outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead service improvement across SEND provision.
• Build strong partnerships with colleagues across services.
• Drive co-production with young people, parents, and carers.
• Work alongside school leaders to deliver reform.

Skills

Proven leadership in education or children’s services

Energy, drive, and resilience

Integrity and moral purpose

Track record in improving outcomes for children

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Head of Education SEND and Safeguarding role at East Sussex County Council.

Location: County Hall, Lewes, BN7 1UE, GB(Hybrid)

Do you have the ambition, creativity, and vision to transform the lives of children and young people? Are you ready to lead the reform of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in East Sussex?

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join our forward-thinking Education Division and shape the future of SEND provision across the county.

About the role

As part of the Education leadership team, you will work collaboratively to deliver our strategy for high-quality, inclusive education. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Education, you will take the lead on reforming SEND services—driving improvement, managing resources effectively, and ensuring children and families benefit directly from national policy changes.

You will:

• Lead service improvement across SEND provision
• Build strong partnerships with colleagues across education and children’s services, schools, health services, and families
• Drive co-production with young people, parents, and carers
• Work alongside school leaders to deliver reform through our well-established school-led system

This is a pivotal moment for East Sussex. We are a local authority actively testing national reform through the change programme—meaning your work will directly influence the future of SEND services both locally and beyond.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven leadership in education or children’s services
• Energy, drive, and resilience to make a real difference
• Integrity and moral purpose to work collaboratively with partners
• A strong track record in improving outcomes for children and young people

If you have the vision and expertise to shape SEND services for the next generation, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch for an informal conversation prior to applying. Please contact Rachel King, PA to Elizabeth Funge – Assistant Director for Education, on [e-mail]

Interviews

Interviews will take place in person. These are scheduled for Friday 26 September and will include a formal interview panel, stakeholder panel and the opportunity to meet key colleagues.

Benefits

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment.

More information can be found on our benefits page.

How to apply

To apply for this post please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs

Equal opportunities

East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.

Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Education
• Industries: Government Administration