Strategic Commissioning Lead SEN 0-25 years

Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing); Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ealing Council is seeking a Strategic Commissioning Lead (SEND 0-25) to shape SEND provision and investment in innovative commissioning. You will drive SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and specialist place planning, including independent and post-16 placements, while overseeing short breaks services and NMISS commissioning.

You will bring significant senior leadership experience in education or local government, with a strong track record in strategic commissioning, SEND services, and

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in local government or education.
• Proven track record in strategic commissioning and SEND services.
• Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation and local authority responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and market development.
• Oversee NMISS, AP, and post-16 pathways provision and placements.
• Manage contracts, performance, budgeting and value for money.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic commissioning

SEND expertise

Budgeting & forecasting

Contract negotiation

Provider performance management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Influencing

Cross-sector collaboration

Job description

Strategic Commissioning Lead (SEND 0-25)

£75,246 - £80,229 pa inclusive

Grade: CB6

Shape the future of SEND provision in Ealing

Ealing Council is committed to ensuring that every child and young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can access high-quality education, support and opportunities to achieve their potential. As demand for specialist provision continues to grow, we are investing in innovative commissioning, sustainable services and inclusive pathways that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

We are seeking an experienced senior strategic commissioner to join our Children's Commissioning Service in a high-profile role leading SEND commissioning, sufficiency planning and the effective use of resources for children and young people with SEND. The role will cover specialist SEND school placements sufficiency planning and commissioning, including placements in independent schools, post-16 placements, and alternative provision. The role will also oversee the commissioning of other SEN-related services, such as Ealing’s short breaks offer for children with disabilities.

About The Role

As Strategic Commissioning Lead (SEND) 0-25 Years, you will provide strategic leadership across:

• SEND commissioning and service development;
• SEND sufficiency planning and specialist place planning;
• Alternative Provision (AP) commissioning and market development;
• Non-Maintained and Independent Special School (NMISS) commissioning;
• Post-16 specialist education and employment pathways;
• Short breaks commissioning for children with complex SEND;
• Provider engagement, market management and quality assurance;
• Contract negotiation and performance management;
• High Needs resource planning and financial sustainability;
• SEND transformation, inclusion and service redesign initiatives.

Working closely with schools, trusts, colleges, providers, health partners, social care services, elected members and parent-carer forums, you will develop sustainable local provision, reduce reliance on high-cost external placements and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

You will also provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members, leading major commissioning programmes and ensuring compliance with statutory SEND responsibilities and national reforms.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within local government, education, children's services, health, social care or a similarly complex environment;
• A strong track record in strategic commissioning, SEND services or specialist education provision;
• Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and local authority statutory responsibilities;
• Experience of SEND sufficiency planning, specialist place planning and provision development;
• Expertise in commissioning and managing specialist placements, Alternative Provision, NMISS and/or Post-16 pathways;
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and value for money analysis;
• Experience of procurement, contract management and provider performance improvement;Proven success in leading transformation and service improvement programmes;
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and influencing skills;
• The ability to build effective partnerships across education, health, social care and provider sectors;
• Strong political awareness and experience of advising senior leaders and elected members;
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.

It is an exciting time to join us, here at Ealing Council. If you would like to make a positive difference to our residents and borough, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you.

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Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its connected communities’ agenda. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive.

Please note all applications will be determined on merit.

Ealing council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safer recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This role is subject to Ealing Council’s enhanced vetting process.

Interviews for the role are expected to take place on 14th and 15th October. For further information about the role, please contact Maria Atanasoaei, Head of Children’s Integrated Commissioning Service ([e-mail]) or Tamara Quinn, Assistant Director - Children’s Services Planning, Resources and Service Development ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications: 5 October 2026

Interview dates: 14 & 15 October 2026