Head of Sams

**Salary**:

- £61,421 - £67,439**Directorate**:

- Children and Young People**Contract Type**:

- Secondment**Closing Date**:

- 21 October 2025

**Role Published**:

- 7 October 2025

**All about the Role**

Are you ready to make a real difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Peterborough? As our Head of Statutory Assessment and Monitoring (SAMS), you'll lead a dedicated team responsible for the statutory processes around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). You'll ensure robust decision-making, compliance, and performance, chair key panels, and drive strategic improvements across the service area. You'll manage a significant budget, oversee the development of statutory responsibilities, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SEND provision in our city. This is a high-impact leadership role, offering the chance to influence outcomes for thousands of children and young people.

**All about our Team**

Are you the leader for this team? Can you offer the management and leadership required?

The Statutory Assessment and Monitoring Service (SAMS) at Peterborough City Council is a friendly and committed team dedicated to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Their main responsibilities encompass processing and coordinating statutory assessments, overseeing the ongoing monitoring and review of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and engaging in mediation and tribunal work to resolve issues and complaints in a restorative manner. The team collaborates closely with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure clear communication and to provide guidance throughout the assessment and annual review process, as well as during transitions between educational settings. By working as part of the wider Inclusion Services, SAMS also partners with specialist teaching teams, educational psychologists, and local support services, all with the shared aim of ensuring that each child receives tailored support and has the opportunity to reach their full potential and overcome barriers to learning.

**All about You**

We're looking for a dynamic, solution-focused leader with:

- **In-depth knowledge** of the statutory SEN framework and relevant legislation
- **Proven experience** in assessment, monitoring, and drafting EHCPs, ideally with a background in schools or multi-agency settings
- **Strong leadership and social skills** - able to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
- **Ability to work under pressure** and within tight timescales, with a flexible and responsive approach
- **Commitment to equality, diversity, and excellent customer care**:

- **A degree or equivalent**:

- **Current driving licence** and willingness to travel as needed

Is this the job for you?

**All about our Benefits**
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme
- Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
- Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
- Access to car lease scheme
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
- Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
- Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
- Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards

**All about our Commitments**

**Job benefits**:
**Work / Life Balance**

**Home Working Allowance**

**Learning and Development**

**Professional Membership Support**

**Employee Wellbeing Programme**

**Employee Recognition Scheme**

**Long service recognition**

**Paid Volunteering Allowance**

**Generous Annual Leave**

**Option to Increase Holiday Allowance**

**Referral Programme**

**Family centric ethos**

**Attractive Pension Opportunities**

**Enhance Pension Options**

**Employee Discounts**

**Exclusive Discounts**

**Voluntary Health Cash Plan**

**Selected Paid Relocation Scheme**

**Discounted Parking in Peterborough