SEND Operational Lead

Job Title:SEND Operational Lead
Salary:45624 - 52038 per annum
Grade: F
Contract Type:Permanent
Working Hours:37 hours per week

Thurrock SEND Team takes on many different roles for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs (SEND). As a SEND Operational Lead you will assist the Team Manager in the effective management of the statutory SEND function supporting practice improvements through delegated management tasks and fostering strong relationships with parents carers and key stakeholders.

This role is focused on the operational management of services for children and young people with SEND. It involves managing senior officers and their teams in overseeing processes and ensuring a high quality service delivery in line with our SEND framework.

About the Role

As aSEND Operational Lead you willbe responsible for:

• Leading the SEND Operations Team to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the councils statutory duties in relation to the assessment and review process for children and young people with SEND.
• Day to day operational management of Senior EHCP Coordinators and their teams.
• Carrying a small caseload.
• Analysing data and identifying trends to inform and influence decisions relating to EHCN assessments EHCP reviews and future provision development.
• Managing and/or attending various Panels within the SEND remit
• Developing the local authoritys support and training for schools in relation to SEND including the SENCO Forum meetings and borough wide training on SEND.
• Supporting the local authoritys SEND statutory functions including preparation and attendance at case management meetings supporting the drafting of EHCPs and preparation for responses to enquiries or complaints as appropriate.
• Conducting audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Developing strong effective relationships with area partners including school leaders health and social care providers voluntary/community sector organisations to develop and maintain effective area partnership arrangements.
• Working with children young people and families adopting a coproduction approach to service development and review

The role of SEND Operational Lead is essential within the delivery of SEND Services it can be challenging yet rewarding. It offers you the opportunity to showcase your range of skills and personal attributes to effectively lead a team in a fast paced environment and to lead by example influencing innovative practices while ensuring the best outcomes for children and families.

WhatWereLooking For

A dynamic and experienced individual who is ready to take on a senior role within a multi-agency setting. You will:

• Bring experience in multi-agency environments ideally within SEND settings
• Have a strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the 0-25 SEND Code of Practice
• Be adept at managing people and resources with a good track record of leadership
• Excel at communication problem-solving and organisation
• Be committed to delivering high-quality child centred services that place families at the heart of decision making

DBS Check:Enhanced

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employeeassistanceprogramme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 21st August 2025

Closing Date (Internal & External):31st August 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact Tina Martin SEND Team Manager at

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

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