Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in England is seeking a leader for their SEN service operations. As part of this role, you will manage a team, ensure compliance with regulations, and drive improvements. Ideal candidates should have strong leadership skills, experience in public service, and an understanding of partnership working. This position offers an opportunity to make a real difference in the community by supporting children with SEND.

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams and performance management.
• Ability to maintain clear records and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn SEN legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational delivery of the SEND and Educational Psychology Service.
• Manage a team of six, providing supervision and development.
• Act as first point of contact for complaints and requests.

Skills

Organised leadership

Strong administration skills

Data analysis

Partnership working

Familiarity with SEN legislation

Embrace technology

Job description

Overview

Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. You’ll bring structure, clarity and leadership to the systems and people that make the services work, keeping them compliant, efficient and focused on what matters most: the children and young people who rely on it.

Working style

You’ll be based in the borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community as part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Oversee the operational delivery of the SEND and Educational Psychology Service, ensuring processes run smoothly and meet statutory requirements.
• Manage a line management team of six, providing supervision, professional development and ensuring staff deliver high quality services.
• Stay up to date with legislation and guidance, leading improvements that keep the service compliant and forward thinking.
• Act as the first point of contact for complaints, Freedom of Information requests and Subject Access Requests, ensuring each is handled promptly, fairly and transparently.
• Record pre‑statutory admissions to specialist nurseries and resourced provisions, and oversee financial processes such as supplier requests and tuition cost monitoring.
• Lead termly 'deep dive' audits to identify trends, spot development areas and shape better practice.
• Coordinate induction and training programmes so staff have the knowledge, tools and confidence to deliver at their best.

What you’ll bring

• Organised, confident, people‑focused leader with experience managing teams, recruitment, induction and performance management.
• Strong administration and organisational skills, maintaining clear records and meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to analyse data, make evidence‑based decisions and identify opportunities to improve systems and processes.
• Understanding of partnership working and ability to build relationships across education, health and social care.
• Some knowledge of SEN legislation such as the Children and Families Act 2014, but a willingness to learn quickly and think critically.
• Embrace technology, champion case management systems and data to track progress and inform decisions.

Why join us

At RBKC we invest in our people, communities and future. You’ll join a service that plays a vital role in improving outcomes for children with SEND, shaping a developing service and influencing how we work.

About us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. We focus on supporting residents, strengthening our approach and building a fairer borough.

Interview details

Thursday 13th November 2025 at Kensington Town Hall. Standard DBS is required.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.