Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead)

Help Shape the Future of SEND Inclusion in Manchester

Manchester is on an ambitious journey to transform outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

As a UNICEF Child Friendly City and an Outstanding Children's Services authority, Manchester has a strong track record of innovation, partnership working and inclusion. Over the last three years we have proudly led the North West SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme on behalf of the Department for Education, helping to test and shape the future reforms that will create a more inclusive system for children and families. Manchester is recognised nationally for our innovative approach to SEND and inclusion, our strong local partnerships and our commitment to co-production with children, young people and families.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Manchester's senior education leadership team at a pivotal moment. As our Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead), you will play a strategic role in delivering our Local SEND Reform Plan and helping to build a system where children and young people receive support that is:

Early. Local. Fair. Effective. Shared.

You will lead work with schools, settings, trusts and partner agencies to strengthen inclusion across Manchester, ensuring more children and young people can thrive within their local communities and have their needs met without unnecessary escalation to statutory processes.

Our vision is simple but ambitious:

"For children to live in a place they call home, with people and things they love, in communities that look out for them, doing things that matter."

About the Role

As SEND Inclusion Lead, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND quality assurance, school improvement and inclusion across Manchester.

Working within the School Quality Assurance and SEND Service, you will:

Lead and develop Manchester's approach to inclusive practice across schools and settings. Drive implementation of the Local SEND Reform Plan and Manchester Inclusion Strategy. Support schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through high support and high challenge. Lead quality assurance of SEND across educational settings. Work with Multi-Academy Trusts, maintained schools and partners to strengthen inclusive cultures and behaviours. Support the development of Manchester's innovative Experts at Hand model, bringing specialist expertise closer to schools and families. Use data, intelligence and evaluation to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement. Contribute to city-wide strategies designed to improve attendance, reduce exclusions and increase participation for children and young people with SEND. Work collaboratively across education, health, social care and family hubs to deliver lasting system change. We are looking for an inspiring and credible leader who:

Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Has substantial senior leadership experience within SEND/Inclusion. Holds Qualified Teacher Statusor other professional qualification relevant to SEND. Has a strong track record of delivering significant strategicimprovement. Has in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with Local Area SEND and the SEND Reforms. Has experience of leading strategically across partnerships. Can build strong relationships while providing effective support and challenge, influencing and inspiring partners to drive improvement. Shares Manchester's commitment to co-production, equity and inclusion. If you want to influence policy, shape practice and help create one of the most inclusive education systems in the country and make a lasting difference to the lives of Manchester's children, young people and families, we would love to hear from you."

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