Head of Education SEND and Safeguarding

Head of Education: SEND and Safeguarding

Do you have the ambition, creativity, and vision to transform the lives of children and young people? Are you ready to lead the reform of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in East Sussex?

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join our forward-thinking Education Division and shape the future of SEND provision across the county.

About the role

As part of the Education leadership team, you will work collaboratively to deliver our strategy for high-quality, inclusive education. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Education, you will take the lead on reforming SEND services—driving improvement, managing resources effectively, and ensuring children and families benefit directly from national policy changes.

You will:

• Lead service improvement across SEND provision
• Build strong partnerships with colleagues across education and children’s services, schools, health services, and families
• Drive co-production with young people, parents, and carers.
• Work alongside school leaders to deliver reform through our well-established school-led system.

This is a pivotal moment for East Sussex. We are a local authority actively testing national reform through the change programme—meaning your work will directly influence the future of SEND services both locally and beyond.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven leadership in education or children’s services.
• Energy, drive, and resilience to make a real difference.
• Integrity and moral purpose to work collaboratively with partners.
• A strong track record in improving outcomes for children and young people.

If you have the vision and expertise to shape SEND services for the next generation, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: Sunday 14 September.
Interview date: Friday 26 September (all day)

Please get in touch for an informal conversation prior to applying. Please contact Rachel King, PA to Elizabeth Funge – Assistant Director for Education, on Rachel.king@eastsussex.gov.uk

Interviews will take place in person. These are scheduled for Friday 26 September and will include a formal interview panel, stakeholder panel and the opportunity to meet key colleagues.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment.

More information can be found on our benefits page.

To apply for this post please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs

East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.

For work that makes a difference