Strategic Director, SEND, Inclusion & Learning

Rutland County Council; Oakham; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave entitlement

LGPS pension scheme

Health, wellbeing & work-life balance

Job summary

Rutland County Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join the Children and Families Directorate as Head of SEND, Inclusion and Learning. You will shape the education journey from early years to adulthood, coordinating SEND, inclusion, learning, early years, admissions, place planning and the Virtual School.

The role requires a proven strategic leader with a track record of improving outcomes, strong partnership skills, and a deep commitment to inclusion and equity.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent.
• Proven strategic leadership in education, SEND, inclusion or children’s services.
• Ability to inspire collective action and translate strategy into impact.
• Deep understanding of the education landscape with commitment to inclusion and equity.
• Demonstrated success in improving outcomes and building strong partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Council's strategic lead for education and inclusion to improve outcomes for all children and young people.
• Develop an inclusive SEND and Inclusion system enabling access to high-quality provision locally.
• Deliver the Virtual School service to improve outcomes for looked-after children and children with a social worker.
• Oversee high-quality early years services including sufficiency and funding entitlements.
• Lead school admissions and pupil place planning to ensure adequate provision across the county.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check as part of the role.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Partnership building

Education system knowledge

Inclusion & equity

Change management

Education

Degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent)

Job description

Rutland County Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join the Children and Families Directorate as Head of SEND, Inclusion and Learning. You will shape the education journey from early years to adulthood, coordinating SEND, inclusion, learning, early years, admissions, place planning and the Virtual School.

The role requires a proven strategic leader with a track record of improving outcomes, strong partnership skills, and a deep commitment to inclusion and equity.