Service Manager –SEND Inclusion (Education Non-Qualified) Children Social Care

Neway International Ltd; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a qualified Service Manager for Inclusion to oversee the SEND Team at Knowsley Borough Council. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in SEND, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of relevant legislation. This hybrid role demands flexibility, commitment to performance management, and the ability to foster strategic partnerships within the community. Candidates must be adept in organizational and communication skills to ensure service delivery meets statutory requirements.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in Inclusion (SEND), Education, Health, or Social Care.
• Proven experience managing staff, budgets, and resources.
• Ability to build strategic partnerships and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams within Inclusion, providing direction and performance oversight.
• Ensure services meet statutory requirements, including SEND provision.
• Drive service improvement by identifying efficiencies and implementing development plans.

Skills

Leadership and management skills

Knowledge of SEND legislation

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Education

Recognised professional qualification in Social Care/Education

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Service Manager – Inclusion (Education Non‑Qualified) to join our client Knowsley Borough Council.

Location: Poplar Bank, Huyton, Knowsley, Merseyside, L36 9GD

Hours: 36 per week

Start Date: 12 January 2026

Duration: on‑going

Pay Rates: PAYE £48.11 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £63.51 per hour

About the Client

Knowsley Borough Council is committed to delivering high-quality services across Children’s Services, with a strong focus on inclusion and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Council works closely with schools, families, and partner agencies to ensure positive outcomes and continuous improvement in education and social care provision.

The Role

We are recruiting a Service Manager to provide leadership within the Inclusion Service, covering long-term sickness absence. Reporting to the Head of Service Inclusion and working at Executive Director level within Children’s Services, you will oversee the SEND Team, Travel and Transport Support, and Access & Inclusion.

This hybrid role offers flexibility, with a requirement to attend council offices as needed. You will play a key role in service development, performance management, and ensuring statutory duties are met under the SEND Code of Practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams within Inclusion, providing direction and performance oversight.
• Ensure services meet statutory requirements, including SEND provision, supported transport, and wider inclusion services.
• Oversee financial and physical resource management, ensuring services are delivered within budget.
• Drive service improvement, identifying efficiencies and implementing development plans.
• Foster effective partnerships with schools, health, social care, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning, including SEND Implementation Plans and pupil place planning.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and CQC frameworks, supporting continuous improvement.
• Deputise for the Head of Service Inclusion when required.

Candidate Requirements

• Substantial experience in Inclusion (SEND), Education, Health, or Social Care.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with proven experience managing staff, budgets, and resources.
• Detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including Joint Area SEND Inspections.
• Ability to build strategic partnerships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Political awareness and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Recognised professional qualification in Social Care/Education or equivalent.