Strategic Lead - SEND

The Service

The SEND and Educational Inclusion Service sits within Learning and Inclusion in Children's Services and brings together the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Team, Access to Education and Alternative Provision. Our teams work collaboratively with children, young people, families, schools, health and social care partners to ensure children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, to achieve positive outcomes and thrive.

This is an exciting strategic leadership opportunity within Children's Services. As Strategic Lead - SEND, you will lead and develop the EHCP Team, ensuring the local authority meets its statutory SEND responsibilities whilst driving continuous improvement, service transformation and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Working closely with the Head of SEND & Education Inclusion, you will help shape the future direction of SEND services across Kirklees, leading partnership working across education, health and social care and supporting the implementation of national SEND reforms.

As part of this role you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the EHCP Team.
• Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, statutory guidance and case law.
• Lead service improvement to enhance quality, performance and outcomes.
• Oversee statutory decision-making relating to EHC needs assessments and plans.
• Develop strong partnerships across education, health and social care.
• Use performance data and intelligence to inform planning and drive improvement.
• Lead, support and develop managers and staff.
• Support SEND inspection readiness and improvement activity.
• Lead on complaints, mediation and tribunal preparation.
• Champion co‑production with children, young people, families and parent carer forums.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious leadership team at a time of significant national reform, helping to shape and deliver high-quality SEND services that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Kirklees

Suggested date for interviews is w/c 10th August 2026