SEN Area Team Manager

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking an Area Team Manager in the SEN Service to lead a SEND team across a designated area, ensuring statutory duties, EHCP processes and high-quality outcomes. The role demands collaboration with families, schools and health partners to secure appropriate provision.

You will contribute to strategic development while maintaining strong operational focus, driving improvements and ensuring a child-centred approach in a hybrid working model with office presence and

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working within SEND services, education or social care.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation and statutory processes.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams in a complex service environment.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Can confidently manage competing priorities and make sound decisions.
• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Embraces change and can lead others through service development and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of SEND professionals, providing clear direction and performance management.
• Ensure statutory duties and timescales relating to EHCP assessment, review and placements are met.
• Oversee complex and high-profile casework, offering guidance to staff and partners.
• Collaborate with schools, families, health services and agencies to secure provision.
• Drive continuous improvement and enhance service delivery and outcomes.
• Monitor performance, quality and compliance across the area team and implement solutions.
• Support service transformation initiatives and contribute to policy development.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, accountability and high performance.

Skills

SEND leadership experience

Team management

Communication and influencing

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Casework management

IT skills

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

SEN Area Team Manager

Job Reference: HCC624731
Salary Range: £48,948 - £54 423 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 1 September 2026
Interview Date: 9 and 10 September 2026

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, innovation and strategic thinking make a real difference?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Area Team Manager within our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service. This is a rewarding leadership role at the heart of statutory SEND operations, where you will play a key part in ensuring children and young people receive the support and provision they need to achieve their potential.

The Role:

As an Area Team Manager, you will provide leadership and oversight of a team responsible for delivering statutory SEND functions across a designated geographical area. You will ensure that services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and with a child-centred focus, working closely with families, schools, health partners and other stakeholders.

You will contribute to the strategic development of the service whilst maintaining a strong operational focus, ensuring high-quality outcomes for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC plans).

The role is offered on a hybrid working basis with 1 mandatory day in the office and visits to schools and colleges (as necessary).

What you’ll do:

• Lead and manage a team of SEND professionals, providing clear direction, support and performance management.
• Ensure statutory duties and timescales relating to EHCP assessment, review and placement processes are met.
• Oversee complex and high-profile casework, providing advice and guidance to staff and partners.
• Work collaboratively with schools, educational settings, families, health services and other agencies to secure appropriate provision.
• Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
• Monitor performance, quality and compliance across the area team and implement effective solutions where needed.
• Support service transformation initiatives and contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, accountability and high performance.

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated leader who:

• Has substantial experience working within SEND services, education, social care or a related field.
• Possesses a strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and statutory processes.
• Has proven experience of leading and developing teams within a complex service environment.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Can confidently manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Is committed to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
• Has strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Embraces change and can lead others through service development and improvement.
• Sound IT skills and able to accurately record information.
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND.
• Lead a dedicated and passionate team committed to delivering excellent services.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of a high-profile service.
• Benefit from a supportive leadership environment that values innovation and collaboration.
• Access a range of learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
• Enjoy flexible working options and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Be part of an organisation that values inclusion, diversity and continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive induction programme with all necessary training.

Ourbenefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.

Join us and help shape the future of SEND services, ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

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