Your new organisationSouthend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive worklife balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.Your new roleAre you passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable communities through strategic school place planning and innovative travel solutions? Southend on sea city council is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our team as the Head of School Place Planning and Travel, driving forward initiatives that ensure our growth is managed responsibly and sustainably. This is a new post, covering some statutory duties, such as ensuring sufficient school places for both mainstream and SEND pupils and home to school travel, but also other service areas such SEND finance and data and Preparation for Adulthood. This contract is offered on a full-time and permanent basis.
As a Head of School Place Planning and Travel, you will provide strategic vision, leadership and direction in delivering Travel Arrangements Services across the Council, ensuring statuary service provision is in place. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Council meets its duties in regard to Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) for CYP with SEND. This will include leading on the development of a PFA strategy, the commissioning of appropriate pathways and contributing to the Area SEND Partnership. You will provide efficient and effective planning, management and deployment of resources of teams within the Service.
As a Head of School Place Planning and Travel, you will ensure that the service delivers excellent value for money, monitoring both statutory compliance and qualitative outcomes. You will use data to refine and improve future service design, particularly in relation to home to school travel, place planning and Post 16 pathways. You will develop and secure political support for revised policies relating to home to school travel, maximising the advantages of independent travel training. The range of services within this area amounts to about £12million annually. You will also be part of the senior leadership team in Education, Inclusion and Early Years.
For further enquiries, kindly contact What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, it is essential that you have extensive knowledge and understanding of national legislation, national and local policies / procedures, and guidelines relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Strong knowledge of statutory duties and legal processes relating to school place planning and travel for both mainstream and SEND children, from 0-25 is also essential for this role. It is vital that you have significant experience of managing one or both of these areas.
Experience of working at a senior level in a political environment is essential to be successful in this role. Ideally, you will have knowledge and experience of wider education issues, such as (but not exclusively) inclusion, early years, Ofsted, alternative provision and preparation for adulthood. Solid experience of budget, commissioning and contract management will be highly essential for this role.
Your application will not be considered if you are not qualified to degree standard or equivalent.What you'll get in returnWhen joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
Salary: £67,901 in year 1, rising to £75,445 after 12 monthsWhat you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
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