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.Bulmeroldham.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. We offer: A highly supportive and ambitious leadership team. The opportunity to shape SEND and inclusion services in a diverse and dynamic borough. Strong partnership networks across Greater Manchester and beyond. A forward-thinking and inclusive workplace culture. 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/send_and_inclusion_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. 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. The ideal candidate will have: Proven experience in leading large-scale SEND and inclusion services within a local authority or similar setting. A strong track record of partnership working across education, health, and social care. The ability to drive change and improve outcomes for children and young people through strategic leadership. In-depth knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the wider legislative and policy framework for SEND. Political acumen and the ability to engage effectively with elected members, parents, carers, and stakeholders. A passion for inclusion and a commitment to ensuring every child and young person in Oldham has the opportunity to succeed. Oldham Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 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. Our Values and Behaviours: By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate. These are Proud, Ambitious, and Together, and they shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham. We have translated these values into five behaviours which guide our actions and are the standards we hold ourselves to, day in and day out: Work with a resident focus Support local leaders Committed to the borough Delivery high performance Take ownership and drive change You can find out more about our values and behaviours on our greater.jobs Oldham page Our benefits package: At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following: 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years service The option to purchase additional annual leave. An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions. Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active. Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more. Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work. Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support. Staff recognition and celebration events. Peer support groups Inclusive Recruitment: NB. - Any candidate that meets the criteria of our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme and meets the essential criteria of the role, will be guaranteed the first stage of assessment (whether that is an interview or another assessment, as appropriate). Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme supports candidates with disabilities, have previously been in or currently in care, those that are carers, and those who have served in the Armed Forces as a regular, reserve or cadet. Data and Privacy: For details of how we use your data please see our p rivacy notice. Important Information: Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy. Right to Work in the UK from 1st July 2021.doc