Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking local council as Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution, where you'll shape the future for children with special educational needs. This pivotal role involves leading assessments, ensuring fair resource allocation, and fostering strong relationships with families and schools. You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the community, all while enjoying a flexible work pattern. Your leadership will drive improvements and support inclusive education, creating a brighter future for children and families alike.

Benefits

Flexible Work Pattern

Professional Development Opportunities

Supportive Team Environment

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of SEND and related legislation.
• Proven track record in improving services for children.

Responsibilities

• Lead assessments and resource allocation for children with SEND.
• Work closely with families and school leaders to ensure support.

Skills

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Understanding of Key Legislation

Education

Relevant Degree

Job description

Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.

As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support and resources they need.

Working Style:

You'll be based in the Borough for three days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you're working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you'll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll be improving outcomes for children with special educational needs by making sure they get the right support at the right time. You'll lead on assessments and fair resource allocation, helping every child have the opportunity to go to a great school with the help they need to learn. You'll also work closely with school leaders, offering expert advice and building strong relationships to support inclusive, responsive education across the borough.

You'll be there to help families too, making sure their voices are heard and that any disagreements are handled fairly and transparently. Whether it's overseeing appeals or making sure processes are clear and respectful, you'll play a key role in building trust. At the same time, you'll be leading and coaching a dedicated team, creating a positive and supportive space where everyone can do their best work.

Looking ahead, you'll have a big part to play in shaping the future of our SEN services. You'll be involved in driving improvements and helping to bring a new strategy to life from September 2025, making sure our support for children, families, and schools continues to grow and evolve with their needs.

For further details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification here.

What you'll bring

We're looking for a leader who truly cares about inclusion and wants to make a real difference. To be high performing in this role, you'll need a strong understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with a solid grasp of the key legislation, like the Children and Families Act 2014, the Education Act 1996, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. Just as important is your commitment to making families feel respected, involved, and valued every step of the way.

You should have a proven track record of improving services, paired with the leadership skills to inspire and support those around you. This role needs someone who's not only driven and people-focused but also resilient-able to stay steady and positive when things get tough.

Why join us?

At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this isn't just a job-it's a chance to make a real difference. You'll be supporting children and families in a way that makes them feel heard, respected, and properly cared for. You'll be part of a supportive, experienced team that genuinely cares about the work, and we work closely with families and our local parent carer forum to keep improving. It's a place where your voice matters and your impact is felt.

We're serious about development and will support you to grow in your role. Plus, with a flexible work pattern-three days a week at schools and our offices -you'll have the balance you need to do your best work.

About us

Here at RBKC, we're all in, and as Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution, you'll be at the heart of our commitment to building a fairer borough. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring that every child has a great childhood, a fairer future, and that families feel heard and supported.

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

Interview Details and Role Requirements

Interviews will be held on Friday 13th June.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.

Ready to join us?

We're all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.