Strategic Manager SEND Casework

Are you an experienced leader who is committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for children and young people with SEND? This is a rare opportunity to influence system-wide reform and help shape the future of SEND services. If you are ready to lead change, inspire others and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND, we'd love to hear from you.

As Strategic Manager SEND Casework you will join an ambitious and supportive leadership team committed to improving inclusion, strengthening relationships with families and partners, and delivering sustainable change that makes a difference to children and young people across County Durham. As part of our ambitious improvement journey, you will drive a shift from traditional compliance-focused practice towards a partnership-led approach that strengthens early intervention, promotes inclusion and supports better outcomes for children and young people.

You will influence practice across schools, trusts and partner agencies, helping to reduce reliance on EHCPs through high-quality ordinarily available provision and earlier support. Leading a team of experienced SEND managers, you will provide professional leadership, challenge and support to embed high standards, consistent decision-making and a culture of relational practice. You will oversee complex casework, contribute to strategic planning and sufficiency, and play a key role in ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver value for money and sustainable outcomes.

If you are keen to find out more please contact Clare Nicholls, Head of Service for an informal discussion. You can contact Clare by e‑mail at

• Extensive and proven experience of senior management in a school or Children’s Services within a local authority to promote the educational achievement of children and young people
• Experience of working closely with schools to promote inclusion and attainment
• Experience of managing complex change
• Experience of strategic planning and target setting

You can read more about the experience, skills and personal qualities we are looking for in the attached person specification.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

Interviews will be held on 19 October 2026 at Green Lane Council Offices in Spennymoor.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

• We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries
• a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service)
• membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and…