Ref: 000616
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £80,630 - £90,057 per annum (AD2)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Location: Hybrid office location is The Spindles Offices, Oldham, OL1 1HD
Closing Date: Thursday 27th March 2025
Shortlisting & Interview Dates: TBC.

Following shortlisting, successful candidates will be invited to Oldham to take part in:

• A conversation with a group of young people.

• A conversation with a panel of stakeholders including, early years, school and college leaders, and parent/carer representatives.An interview with Dame Christine Lenehan (the independent chair of Oldham’s SEND executive board), the Strategic Director of Children’s Services, and the Director of Education Early Years and Skills.

• For an informal conversation, be sure to contact Oldham’s Director of Education, Early Years and Skills: Matthew.Bulmer@oldham.gov.uk

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT ON SEND AND INCLUSION IN OLDHAM

Oldham Council is seeking a leader with a proven track record of driving forward our ambitious agenda for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of SEND provision in Oldham, ensuring that every child and young personregardless of need or backgroundhas access to high-quality education, care, and support.
Oldham Council is at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in children’s services. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our strategic vision and collaborative working approach.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

We are looking for a confident and innovative leader with a deep understanding of SEND and inclusion, alongside a strong track record of delivering transformation in a complex local authority setting. You will be an advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voices shape service development and improvement.

ABOUT US:

We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact:
A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
We’re looking for candidates who will support us to achieve our ambitions and we encourage you to download our Corporate Plan: Ready for the Future and our Oldham Plan for further information.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

This role is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader looking to make a significant impact at a senior level. If you are ready to lead transformational change and champion inclusion in Oldham, we want to hear from you. As Assistant Director for SEND and Inclusion, you will be at the heart of our Children and Young People’s Services leadership team and accountable for the delivery of our ambitious SEND and inclusion strategy: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/downloads/file/7781/sendandinclusion_strategy
Your expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in delivering sustainable improvements and ensuring the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Further accelerating the effective co-production of services in partnership with parents, carers, children and young people.
• Leading and preparing for the SEND Inspection process, ensuring high standards across services.
• Driving improvements in educational outcomes by addressing inequalities and supporting children and young people with SEND to reach their full potential.
• Creating a culture of high aspirations, innovation, and excellence in SEND services across Oldham.
• Building and sustaining multi-agency partnerships, particularly with health and social care, to deliver integrated, fit-for-purpose support services.
• Promoting the inclusion of vulnerable children and young people in education, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive.
• Providing leadership, challenge, and support to education providers on meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND and those at risk of exclusion.
• Ensuring timely and effective alternative education provision for children excluded from school.
• Strengthening collaboration between special schools and mainstream education providers to enhance inclusive opportunities across the district.