SEND Area Cluster Health Lead

Kirklees Council; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirklees Council invites applications for a Cluster Area Health Lead to drive health-related SEND support across the four locality areas of Kirklees. You will collaborate with schools, health services, the local authority and partners to improve inclusion and consistency in services for children and young people with SEND.

The role focuses on embedding innovative locality-based approaches, supporting the SEND Transformation Programme, and delivering the SEND Reforms with a child-centered,

Job description

This is a new and exciting opportunity supporting our ambition in Kirklees for our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve well in their early years, at school and in college and lead happy and fulfilled lives. Removing barriers to education, and having a focus on learners with additional needs, are key to Our Kirklees Futures– the long-term vision for learning across the district.

We are seeking an exceptional Cluster Area Health Lead to play a pivotal role in developing and embedding innovative locality based approaches to supporting children and young people with SEND. This is an opportunity to influence system-wide improvement across education, health and care services ensuring children and families receive the right help at the right time, providing more quality and consistency for children, young people and their families across the borough and enabling a wider range of children to access support.

Working alongside our current two Cluster Area Leads, Cluster Lead SENDCOs and wider partners across our four locality areas you will provide strategic leadership for health-related SEND support helping to create a more integrated, inclusive and effective system.

You will lead the development of health-related expertise and support across the Cluster Areas, championing inclusion and collaborative working between schools, health services, the local authority and wider partners.

You will play a key role in delivering the aspirations of the SEND Reforms and the Experts at Hand approach, ensuring that children, young people and families are at the centre of decision making.

To be successful you will need a relevant professional health qualification alongside significant experience at a senior leadership level supporting service delivery to children and young people with SEND. You will thrive on being part of a change process, relish the opportunity to strategically influence developments and embrace working with a wide range of partners. You will be a creative and committed team player with excellent communication, organisational and critical thinking skills with both an eye for detail as well as strategic vision.

It is an exciting time to join us here in Kirklees, our ambitious Learning Strategy and SEND Transformation Programme are well underway. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of all children and young people in Kirklees, and you will find a committed and supportive team who are already delivering great results here to support you.

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 1st October 2026