Director of SEND

Director of SEND

Salary: £54,966 - £65,606 per annum

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and visionary educational leader to join a specialist further education provider as a Director of Curriculum. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving excellence in SEND provision, curriculum innovation, learner outcomes, and stakeholder engagement across a diverse and growing curriculum area.

The successful candidate will lead curriculum development, quality improvement, and operational performance, ensuring learners receive an outstanding educational experience that enables progression into further learning, employment, supported internships, and positive destinations.

This role would suit an established senior leader with significant experience in SEND, Additional Learning Support (ALS), and further education management, who is passionate about improving outcomes for learners with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of an innovative and inclusive curriculum strategy.

Ensure curriculum provision meets local, regional, and employment market needs.

Drive growth in SEND provision, supported internships, and funded learning opportunities.

Work collaboratively with senior leaders to deliver outstanding learner experiences and outcomes.

Develop strong partnerships with Local Authorities, employers, stakeholders, and external agencies.

Lead and manage curriculum teams to deliver high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment.

Design and implement innovative curriculum models that maximise learner success and funding opportunities.

Ensure effective learner support arrangements are in place to promote achievement and progression.

Oversee curriculum planning, staffing deployment, timetabling, and resource allocation.

Embed technology-enhanced learning and innovative delivery models across provision.

Quality Improvement

Lead continuous quality improvement activities across curriculum areas.

Drive improvements in learner attendance, retention, achievement, and progression.

Monitor performance data and implement targeted interventions where required.

Lead lesson observations, learning walks, curriculum reviews, and self-assessment activities.

Ensure compliance with awarding body requirements and inspection frameworks.

SEND & Additional Learning Support

Provide strategic leadership for SEND and ALS provision.

Oversee high-needs funding and support arrangements in partnership with Local Authorities.

Ensure learners receive appropriate support to achieve their individual goals.

Develop provision that promotes independence, employability, and successful transitions.

Staff Leadership & Management

Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams across curriculum areas.

Manage performance, professional development, and succession planning activities.

Foster a culture of high expectations, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Ensure effective communication and consistent standards across teams.

Financial & Operational Management

Manage curriculum budgets effectively and ensure resources are utilised efficiently.

Monitor performance against growth targets and financial objectives.

Ensure compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements, safeguarding, health and safety, and equality legislation.

Essential Requirements

Degree qualification or equivalent professional qualification.

Teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS or equivalent).

Significant leadership and management experience within a SEND or Further Education environment.

Proven track record of leading curriculum development and quality improvement.

Experience of managing SEND and/or ALS provision.

Strong understanding of funding methodologies and educational compliance requirements.

Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.

Ability to analyse performance data and drive improvements.

Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and people management skills.

Desirable Requirements

Management qualification.

Experience leading supported internships or employability programmes.

Knowledge of high-needs funding arrangements.

Experience working closely with Local Authorities and external partners.

Evidence of continued professional development in educational leadership.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an inspirational and forward-thinking leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence. The successful candidate will be passionate about SEND education, committed to improving learner outcomes, and able to lead high-performing teams through growth and change.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious senior leader looking to make a significant impact within a thriving and learner-focused educational environment.

Enhanced DBS clearance will be required for this position