Head of SEND

We're looking for an outstanding leader to join Plymouth City Council as our Head of SEND. This is a high‑profile role at the heart of our Children's Services, shaping how we support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the city.

SEND is a top priority for Plymouth. We are committed to delivering high‑quality, timely and cost‑effective support that helps children and families thrive. If you share our ambition for inclusion, partnership and improving life chances, we want to hear from you.

About the role

As Head of SEND, you will lead the development and delivery of Plymouth's SEND services, ensuring we meet our statutory duties and provide the best possible support for children and young people.

You will:

• Lead statutory SEND processes, ensuring compliance and high‑quality assessment, planning and support.
• Oversee specialist teams, including the Principal Educational Psychologist, specialist teaching services, and wrap‑around and respite provision such as Downham House.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, health services, social care, voluntary organisations and parent/carer groups to deliver joined‑up support.
• Lead a multi‑agency workforce of around 171 staff, inspiring high performance and a shared commitment to inclusion.
• Manage shared budgets up to £40m, ensuring resources are used efficiently and aligned to the High Needs Management Plan.
• Champion the voice of children and families, ensuring their experiences shape service improvement.
• Drive performance and inspection readiness, using data and insight to strengthen outcomes.
• Represent the Council at SEND Tribunals, ensuring robust preparation and high‑quality case management.

This role also forms part of the Council's strategic and tactical command leadership team and includes corporate responsibilities such as participation in dismissal appeal panels.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a leader who is committed to public service, confident in complex systems, and passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

Essential qualifications & knowledge

• Degree‑level education in a relevant field
• Professional qualification in health, social care or education
• Detailed knowledge of SEND services and statutory frameworks
• Strong understanding of legislation including the Children Acts 1989/2004, Disability Discrimination Act, SEN & Disability Act 2001, Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, and Children & Families Act 2014

Essential experience

• Leading services for children with disabilities in education, health, social care or voluntary sector
• Multi‑agency partnership working
• Strategic and service planning
• Managing staff, service improvement and operational delivery

Essential skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead, motivate and influence across diverse teams
• Strong strategic planning capability
• Confident use of ICT for planning, reporting and analysis

Why join Plymouth City Council?

Plymouth is a city with ambition. We are proud of our strong partnerships, our commitment to inclusion, and our determination to improve outcomes for children and families. As Head of SEND, you will play a central role in delivering that vision.

You will join a supportive leadership team, work with dedicated professionals across the city, and help shape a service that makes a real difference every day.

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: DBS Children's Barred List

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Joanne Davies on Joanne.Davies@plymouth.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 02 November 2026

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.