EHCP Deputy Service Manager

Job Location: Shire Hall, Block 4, 3rd Floor, Gloucester

Salary: £55,717 - £59,753 per annum | Hours per Week: 37.00 | Contract Type: Permanent

About the role

In Gloucestershire, our focus is on enabling an inclusive education system, providing the right support at the right time and in the right place. As a local authority we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people and we continue to invest in our SEND services to help us to meet local need. As an EHCP Deputy Service Manager you would be instrumental in helping us to develop and shape future SEND provision locally that is informed by latest policy and good practice.

Gloucestershire’s latest Local Area Partnership SEND Inspection confirms that we are on an improvement journey and as a Deputy EHCP Service Manager you will have an important role in working collaboratively to deliver system and service improvements.

About the Team and Role

Working alongside the EHCP Service Manager, you will ensure operational excellence and consistent practice and process across service functions which support access to inclusive and appropriate education for all children and young people with SEND. As Gloucestershire County Council's statutory SEND service, the EHCP Service plays a vital role in ensuring the Local Authority meets its legal responsibilities for children and young people with SEND.

This role provides an opportunity to lead and influence the delivery of high-quality statutory services, ensuring that Education, Health and Care needs assessments, plans, and reviews are delivered effectively, lawfully, and with positive outcomes at their heart. It will involve working closely with education providers, developing strong working relationships across our own teams, education, health, social care, and young people. You will ensure that the statutory duties for children and young people with SEND are discharged effectively, whilst driving continuous improvement and promoting inclusive practice across the county.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence the delivery of high-quality statutory services for Education, Health and Care needs assessments, plans, and reviews.
• Ensure operational excellence and consistent practice across service functions.
• Work collaboratively with education providers, health, social care, and young people to drive system and service improvements.
• Discharge statutory duties for children and young people with SEND effectively.
• Promote inclusive practice and continuous improvement across Gloucestershire.
• Visit schools and settings during the working day with little notice as required.

Requirements

• Thorough understanding of SEND, legislation, guidance, and best practice.
• Experience in assessing and reviewing the needs of vulnerable children, young people, and their families.
• Knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and its application.
• Proven track record of successfully managing people, change, and services.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work co-productively with professionals, children, young people, and their families.
• Empathy for the challenges faced by young people and their families within the SEND landscape.

Benefits

• Training and development opportunities including Ipsea, Nasen, and LASEN training relevant to the role.
• Agile working: split time between home and office (minimum 1 day per week in office).
• Progression opportunities within the service structure.
• Annual leave: 25.5 days rising to 30.5 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salaries.
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Wide-ranging multi-agency working.
• Employee Benefits Programme.