Head of SEND Sufficiency

6 days ago


Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom Hertfordshire County Council Full time

Job Title: Head of SEND Sufficiency
Salary range: £81,803 to £90,664 pa
Hours: 37
Location: Stevenage
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services

About the team

As part of our Making SEND Everyone's Business (MSEB) programme, we are further expanding our directorate with this Head of Service post, as we make significant progress with our improvement journey towards excellence for our children and young people with SEND.

Our team is dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Hertfordshire, ensuring they have access to high-quality education and specialist support. We work to develop and maintain a network of special schools and Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) that meet the diverse needs of our community, striving to create an inclusive education system where every child can thrive.

The Head of SEND Sufficiency plays a critical role in shaping this provision, leading on strategic planning, commissioning, and performance management to ensure there are enough high-quality places for children with the most significant needs. Working closely with panel managers, placement officers, and commissioning specialists, this role ensures that resources are effectively allocated and that services align with both local and national SEND policies. They will also hold responsibility for overseeing critical decision making on EHC Needs Assessments and specialist placements, alongside the operational team that manages complaints and appeals process when these decisions are not agreed with, so experience and understanding of leading on the implementation of SEND legislation is essential.

Collaboration is key to our work, and this role interacts with a wide range of internal and external partners, including schools, multi-agency teams, parents, carers, and national SEND networks. The team is well established but evolving, offering the Head of SEND Sufficiency a unique opportunity to influence future developments and drive improvements in SEND provision across the county. If you're passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND, this is a role where your expertise and leadership can truly shape the future.

About the role

You will lead the strategic planning and commissioning of special school placements and Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs), ensuring there are enough high-quality places to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND. By analysing demographic trends and working with schools and local partners, you will identify gaps in provision and implement solutions to improve sufficiency and accessibility.

You will manage the budget of £84m for Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs), SEN units & Special Schools, overseeing contracts with special schools, specialist SEND units, Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs), Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL) providers, and Special School Outreach to ensure the highest standards and value for money, evaluating the effectiveness of existing SEND provisions, using data-driven approaches to identify strengths and areas needing enhancement.

You will also lead on compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, ensuring all commissioned services meet statutory requirements and deliver positive outcomes for children and young people in Hertfordshire.

You will work closely with schools, parents, carers, and multi-agency partners to develop an inclusive and effective SEND system. Leading a team of four Panel Managers and indirectly overseeing four Specialist Placement Officers and panel clerks, you will ensure that EHCNA and placement decisions are needs-led, transparent, and fair. You will oversee the work of the Resolutions and Reconciliation Team as we work to resolve disputes at the earliest opportunity, within both a council and legal framework, delivering Accurate, Compassionate and Timely (ACT) communications and working with partners and families towards the best outcomes. Your leadership will also support service improvements across areas such as Home to School Transport, making a real difference to families across Hertfordshire.

About you
  • Extensive experience in SEND strategic planning, commissioning, and provision development, with a strong understanding of special school and resource provision sufficiency.
  • Your background will include working at a senior level within education, local government, or a related field, where you have successfully delivered service improvements and managed complex projects. Evidence of working with data to inform decision-making and future planning will be essential.
  • Strong leadership and partnership skills are key to this role.
  • You will have experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and working collaboratively with schools, local authorities, health and social care partners, and parents/carers to improve SEND provision.
  • A proven ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level, along with experience presenting strategic reports to senior management and elected members, will be highly valued.
  • A thorough knowledge / experience of leading on SEND legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, is essential.
  • Stakeholder engagement and co-production – ability to work effectively with parents, carers, and young people to shape services.
  • You will also demonstrate financial acumen, with experience managing and allocating budgets effectively.
  • A relevant degree or equivalent experience is required.
  • This role will involve travel across Hertfordshire, so access to transport is essential.
  • Experience in capital planning and school place sufficiency – understanding how to forecast and develop SEND provision to meet future demand.
  • Knowledge of education funding models – particularly High Needs Block funding, to ensure effective resource allocation.
  • Project management expertise – experience in overseeing large-scale initiatives, from planning through to implementation.
  • Change management skills – experience in driving organisational or service transformation within SEND or education settings.
  • Familiarity with data analysis tools – to interpret trends and make evidence-based decisions.
  • Understanding of wider social care and health services – to ensure joined-up working across education, health, and social care.
  • A background in education, social care, or a related sector would be beneficial.

This job role is within the Organisational Leadership, level LDR16 job profile. Please locate this via: Job families.

To hear more about this opportunity please contact sariska.mannion@hertfordshire.gov.uk who will arrange an informal conversation to take place with Hero Slinn.

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

#J-18808-Ljbffr
  • Senior Data Analyst

    6 days ago


    Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom North Hertfordshire College Full time

    Get to know us as an organisation and make sure we are the right fit for your career development.Please complete your application below, and we will promptly begin the recruitment process.SALARY: Up to £47,000 depending on experienceJOB TYPE: PermanentHOURS: Full timeLOCATION: The role will initially involve working in Stevenage, with hybrid working then...

  • Data Co-ordinator

    4 days ago


    Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom North Hertfordshire College Full time

    Get to know us as an organisation and make sure we are the right fit for your career development.Please complete your application below, and we will promptly begin the recruitment process.SALARY: Up to £25,000 FTE plus pensionJOB TYPE: PermanentHOURS: Full TimeLOCATION: Stevenage Campus (with travel to other campus locations as required)About the Role:We...

  • Renal Network Manager

    3 weeks ago


    Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (Enherts-TR) Full time

    Here at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust,Our mission is:Providing high-quality, compassionate care for our communitiesOur vision to 2030 is:To be trusted to provide consistently outstanding care and exemplary serviceJob overviewAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Renal Network Manager to join the newly established Renal Network in the East of...

  • Repairs Planner

    2 days ago


    Stevenage, United Kingdom Service Care Full time

    **Job Title: Repairs Planner** **Work Pattern: 36 hours per week** **Contract: Temp ongoing** **Location: Stevenage SG1** To support the Repairs team and to contribute to the efficient running of Property Services by managing the works scheduling administrative process ensuring that maximum standards of customer care are delivered. **Job Role -** - Manage...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom M Group Services Full time

    **Morrison Energy Services **is currently looking to recruit **a Field Based Technical Auditor **to work within our** EON Contract in London.** As the **Technical Auditor **you will be part of our Health, Safety & Compliance department, responsible for the safety & quality assurance auditing and analysis, assisting with accident/incident investigations,...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom 15ten15 Full time

    Do you have a Passion for Innovation? About Us Brilliant are currently recruiting on behalf of a technology company. Our Client are a market leader in the development and delivery of innovative and cutting-edge training solutions within the Care Sector. We are a rapidly expanding company thatcan offer you the opportunity to grow and develop. **WHAT WE'RE...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom Investigo Full time

    Management Accountant required within a rapidly growing large PE backed Group looking to make an IPO, providing a good degree of Hybrid working, excellent remuneration package and excellent office space. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious recently qualified accountant to gain exposure at group level within a fast-paced business during an exciting...

  • Team Administrator

    3 days ago


    Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Team Administrator** **Circa £21,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **Stevenage (with Hybrid Working)** What if you were on a team that inspires the next generation of engineers? What if you could support key activities that impact IET vision and mission? What if you were our _FIRST_®LEGO® League Team Administrator? At the IET, making our...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom SRM RECRUITMENT LIMITED Full time

    SRM are delighted to be recruiting a Group Reporting Accountant role for our client, a fast growth business, who are based in Stevenage. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with management accounting, group reporting and strong controls, processes,and continuous improvement experience. There is great scope for this role to be involved in projects as...

  • The Nobel School

    2 days ago


    Stevenage, United Kingdom LMP Group Full time

    To work with SENDCo as part of a professional team to organise and support teaching and learning activities for SEND students. The TA provides specialist learning support for students identified as having learning difficulties, including complex and multiple special educational needs, in a broad range of different learning situations and settings. **What...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Departmental Administrator** **Circa £25,000 - £26,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire (with Hybrid Working)** What if you could join a lively, hardworking, results driven department? What if you could provide a superior customer service experience to internal and external stakeholders? What if you were our...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Senior Internal Engagement Executive** **circa £30,000 to £32,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **Permanent** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire (with Hybrid Working)** What if you could help to promote the reputation of one of the world’s largest professional engineering and technology organisations? What if you could deliver creative and...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **circa £40,000 to £45,000 dependent on experience** **Stevenage (with Hybrid Working)** What if you could bring solutions to meet the needs of your customers? What if you could join a creative and driven team of sales professionals? What if you were our Corporate Solutions Manager? At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Partnership Account Manager** **Circa £28,000 to £30,000 per annum, plus car allowance** **Permanent** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire with hybrid Working** What if you were a part of a collaborative and driven account management team? What if you delivered a world class partnership experience with the IET? What if you were our Partnership Account...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Partnership Account Manager** **Circa £28,000 to £30,000 per annum, plus car allowance** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire with Hybrid Working** What if you were a part of a collaborative and driven account management team? What if you delivered a world class partnership experience with the IET? What if you were our Partnership Account Manager? At the...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Registration Administrator** **Circa £17,600 per annum actual, dependent on experience (FTE £22,000 per annum)** **Part time (28 hours per week)** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire with Hybrid Working** What if you could join a friendly team motivated to achieve departmental objectives? What if you could provide high-quality service to applicants seeking...

  • Marketing Executive

    3 days ago


    Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Marketing Executive** **Circa £27,810 per annum, dependent on experience** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire (with Hybrid Working)** What if you could collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their objectives and how marketing can best meet their growth needs? What if you could join a motivated and supportive team, passionate about the impact...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Sales Support Executive** **Circa £22,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire** What if you could be part of a multi-channel Membership Engagement team, working closely to build member satisfaction and loyalty? What if you could provide exceptional customer service to our members and customers? What if you were our Sales...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Engagement Co-ordinator** **Circa £26,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire (with Hybrid Working)** What if you could develop and nurture strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders? What if you could provide expert guidance to our members looking to become Professionally Registered? What if you were our...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Partnership Account Manager** **Circa 28,000 to £30,000 per annum, plus car allowance** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire with Hybrid Working** What if you were a part of a collaborative and driven account management team? What if you delivered a world class partnership experience with the IET? What if you were our Partnership Account Manager? At the IET,...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **EPA Quality Assurance Administrator** **Circa £22,000 - £23,500 dependent on experience** **Permanent** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid working** What if you could support the IET in its quality assurance regulatory responsibilities? What if you worked towards helping the IET maintain its Ofqual recognition? What if you were our EPA Quality...

  • Team Coordinator

    7 hours ago


    Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    **Team Coordinator** **Circa £26,000 to £28,000 per annum, dependent on experience** **12 months fixed term** **Stevenage, Hertfordshire (with Hybrid Working)** What if your work was far reaching? What if you could join a team that supports a global network of colleagues and volunteers? What if you were our Team Coordinator? This role will be known...


  • Stevenage, United Kingdom The Institution of Engineering & Technology Full time

    What if you could help to enhance educational opportunities in engineering for children and young people? What if you worked as part of a team that supports the IET in raising donations to fund its education and award programmes? What if you were our Trust and Corporate Fundraiser? At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better...