Chief Officer for Education and Children's Services

Chief Officer SEND and Learning Inclusion - Req24813 Job title: Chief Officer SEND & Learning Inclusion
Contract: Permanent
As Chief Officer SEND & Learning Inclusion, you’ll thrive on taking the lead in bringing partners and stakeholders together to ensure our city can provide the best possible support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
As Chief Officer SEND & Learning Inclusion you will be integral to the leadership team within the Learning Inclusion service in Children and Families and will hold a key position in the wider education and health sectors in the city.
You will lead on the delivery of the council’s statutory requirements for children with SEND or other needs and those in alternative provision, and collaborate with partners to develop learning inclusion services citywide. You’ll use your extensive senior leadership experience to develop a high performing workforce while managing resources to achieve overarching goals and objectives.
We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence.
Our SEND and inclusion strategy sets out our plans to improve outcomes for children and reduce the inequalities they may face in their learning, health and wellbeing.
As our Chief Officer SEND & Learning Inclusion, you will bring to the role:
Experience of successful leadership and management of large scale complex change programmes with an understanding of the strategic issues that face integrated work.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current local, regional and national issues and the legislative and political context relating to learning inclusion.
If you want to make a positive difference to the education of vulnerable and SEND young people in Leeds, then the Chief Officer SEND & Learning Inclusion role could be the perfect fit for you.
With your strategic leadership and expertise you will advise decision makers across the council and lead a coordinated delivery of SEND and learning inclusion services to schools, children’s centres and all other places of learning.
You will work directly with partners at a national, regional and local level to champion initiatives, promote best practice and support the delivery of real change across the city.
a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range ofstaff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
Please complete the online application form by uploading your CV and personal statement, ensuring your application reflects the requirements of the role as outlined in the role profile.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. Working with key partners at national, regional and local level, champion initiatives within the organisation and supporting the delivery of real change across the city.
Strategic leadership, management and coordinated delivery of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Learning Inclusion services to schools, Childrens Centres and all other places of learning to promote joint practice.
Working with key partners at national, regional and local level
Lead, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
Work with key partners at national, regional and local level to champion Learning Inclusion initiatives within the organisation and in collaboration with partners, support the delivery of real change across the city.
Lead on the delivery of the councils statutory requirements for children with SEND, SEMH, medical needs, sensory needs, CLA and those excluded, electively home educated or in alternative provision.
Lead on the SEND and SEMH strategy for the city and development of specialist provision for children with SEND and SEMH needs across the city, working in partnership with learning providers and health commissioning partners.
Make an effective contribution to the improvement of outcomes, inclusion and equity for children and young people with SEND.
Positively and effectively, lead, shape and influence the Learning Inclusion service to deliver the vision and goals of the Children's and Young Peoples Plan.
Support the active involvement of children and young people and families in how Children's Services are delivered and how they contribute to the ambitions of the Council as set out in the City Plan for Leeds, ensuring that children and young people have a voice and their views are heard.
Accountable for financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money of traded services for Learning Inclusion and working within financial regulations.
In line with the Budget ManagementAccountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for developing appropriate, proportionate and effective financial solutions to be implemented across the Directorate.
Working Context - Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.
Significant successful senior leadership experience.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current local, regional and national issues and the legislative and political context relating to Learning Inclusion.
Experience of successful leadership and management of large scale complex change programmes with an understanding of the strategic issues that face integrated work.
Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information and relevant strategic functions e.g. health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues including significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team.
Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Comply with duties as a leader, under the Health and Safety at work Act, Leeds City Council Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy and supporting standards, values and behaviours.
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