Interim SEND Service Lead — Strategy & Inspection Ready

i-Jobs; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an interim Service Manager to lead the SEND service in Time Square, Bracknell. The role runs 37 hours per week with a 9:00 am–5:00 pm schedule, from ASAP to 11 December 2026.

This post requires strong leadership and strategic oversight to ensure statutory compliance and service improvement. The successful candidate will oversee SEND functions, prepare for inspections and collaborate with council teams and partners to deliver positive outcomes for

Qualifications

• Significant, demonstrable experience leading a statutory SEND service.
• Two+ years in a comparable leadership role within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory requirements.
• Proven experience managing statutory SEND functions.
• Proven track record of service improvement and development.
• Experience with performance management and inspection readiness (Ofsted/CQC).
• Strong leadership and partnership-working skills.
• Ability to work strategically with operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SEND service administratively and strategically.
• Provide leadership and stability during maternity cover.
• Oversee statutory SEND functions and compliance.
• Drive service improvement and development.
• Lead service development, performance management and improvement.
• Ensure readiness for Ofsted and CQC inspections.
• Build relationships across council services and partner organisations.
• Support delivery of high-quality statutory SEND services and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Partnership working

Performance management

Inspection readiness

Job description

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an interim Service Manager to lead the SEND service in Time Square, Bracknell. The role runs 37 hours per week with a 9:00 am–5:00 pm schedule, from ASAP to 11 December 2026.

This post requires strong leadership and strategic oversight to ensure statutory compliance and service improvement. The successful candidate will oversee SEND functions, prepare for inspections and collaborate with council teams and partners to deliver positive outcomes for