SEND Project Manager – AR

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Ilford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington Blake Recruitment is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead SEND improvement projects within a local authority. Hybrid role with two days in the office weekly, coordinating education, health and social care partners to deliver on-time, value-for-money improvements for children with SEND.

Candidates will manage multiple workstreams, translate policy into actions and report progress to senior leaders. Strong planning, governance and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex projects, preferably within education or children’s services.
• Strong project planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Ability to monitor risks, deadlines, performance data and project outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports for senior audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
• A collaborative, resilient and solution-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage SEND improvement and reform projects using recognised project management methodologies.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, risk registers, issues and dependencies.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams, ensuring progress against deadlines and outcomes.
• Translate national SEND policy, guidance and local improvement plans into practical actions.
• Ensure projects align with statutory duties, best practice and Department for Education expectations.
• Work with schools, education providers, health and social care professionals, and voluntary sector partners.
• Support SEND Improvement Boards and prepare reports, briefings, dashboards and progress updates for senior leaders.
• Engage with parents, carers and young people to support co-production and service improvement.
• Monitor performance data, develop KPIs and measure project outcomes and benefits.
• Maintain accurate records and audit trails for governance and compliance.

Job description

Job Description – Project Manager (SEND Improvement and Reforms)

Location: Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the office

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to support the planning and delivery of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement projects and reforms within a local authority.

You will manage complex projects involving education, health, social care and other partner organisations, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and achieve measurable improvements for children and young people with SEND and their families.

Experience working within a local authority SEND service or managing education-related projects is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage SEND improvement and reform projects using recognised project management methodologies.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, risk registers, issues and dependencies.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams, ensuring progress against agreed deadlines and outcomes.
• Translate national SEND policy, guidance and local improvement plans into practical actions.
• Ensure projects align with statutory duties, best practice and Department for Education expectations.
• Work collaboratively with schools, education providers, health and social care professionals, and voluntary sector partners.
• Support SEND Improvement Boards and prepare reports, briefings, dashboards and progress updates for senior leaders.
• Engage with parents, carers and young people to support co-production and service improvement.
• Monitor performance data, develop KPIs and measure project outcomes and benefits.
• Maintain accurate records and audit trails to support governance, accountability and compliance.
• Ensure value for money and effective use of public resources.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement across SEND services.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience managing complex projects, preferably within education or children’s services.
• Strong project planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Ability to monitor risks, deadlines, performance data and project outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports for senior audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment.
• A collaborative, resilient and solution‑focused approach.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a local authority SEND system.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, national policy, reforms and statutory requirements.
• Experience delivering SEND improvement programmes or education service transformation.
• Understanding of co‑production and child‑centred approaches.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role requiring attendance at the office two days per week.

The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering SEND improvements and reforms, helping ensure services provide better outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.