We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.
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Organisation
Kirklees
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Directorate
Children & Families
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Service Area
Learning & Early Support
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Hours
37
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Number of Jobs
1
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Location(s)
Huddersfield and surrounding areas
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Position type
Permanent
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Grade
Grade 16
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Salary
£57,457 - £58,462
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Advert Wording
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.
The Role
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
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Christina Marsay is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
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We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email:
[email protected] or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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We encourage you to read our AI Guidance before submitting your application to ensure your supporting statements reflect your own authentic experience.
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Closing date
28 July 2026, 11:55 PM
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