SEND Inclusion Post 16 Lead Full Time

Description: Full Time / 37 or 32.5 Hours Per Week / Permanent About the Role Leicester City Council is seeking a strategic and highly skilled leader to take on the role of SEND Inclusion Post-16 Lead Officer. This post is open to candidates with relevant experience and will be advertised to applicants who either hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or have relevant post‑16 experience. Applicants with QTS will be required to work 32.5 hours per week, term time only. Applicants without QTS but with relevant experience will be required to work 37 hours per week, year‑round. Appointment in both cases will be on the same pay. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our SEND system, leading the development of high-quality, inclusive Post-16 provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This role is central to delivering the ambitions set out in the Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which outlines a 10-year vision for a more inclusive, consistent, and sustainable education system where every child can succeed. You will help shape a system that delivers: Right support, in the right place, at the right time Stronger mainstream inclusion Improved outcomes and preparation for adulthood Financial sustainability and accountability Context: SEND Reform 2026 The 2026 reforms represent a system-wide shift in how SEND is delivered and funded, including: A move to a tiered model of support (universal, targeted, targeted-plus, specialist) Reduced reliance on EHCPs, with greater focus on early intervention and mainstream capacity Introduction of more consistent national expectations and standards Stronger focus on outcomes, inclusion, and value for money This role will be critical in translating these reforms into effective Post-16 practice and commissioning. Key Responsibilities Lead the strategic development of inclusive Post-16 SEND provision aligned to national reform priorities Embed a clear and consistent Ordinarily Available Offer (OAO) across all Post-16 providers Ensure funding decisions reflect the tiered model of support, prioritising inclusion and early intervention Oversee and challenge Post-16 SEND funding to ensure it is: Needs-led Evidence-based Outcome-focused Reduce reliance on high-cost specialist provision by strengthening mainstream capacity Design and deliver a robust quality assurance framework aligned to national expectations Use data, outcomes, and performance intelligence to drive improvement and inform commissioning Work across education, social care, health, and finance to deliver integrated SEND services Provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior leaders and elected members, including under scrutiny About You We are looking for a strategic leader who can operate confidently within a complex, high-profile, and reform-driven environment. You will bring: Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and Post-16 systems A clear understanding of the 2026 SEND reform agenda and its implications for local systems Experience of leading system-wide change and influencing across organisations Confidence in challenging funding decisions and ensuring value for money Deep understanding of inclusive practice and the graduated/tiered response Strong analytical and data interpretation skills Excellent communication skills, able to engage with: Young people and families Providers Senior leaders and elected members Above all, you will demonstrate a values-led approach, ensuring that inclusion, equity, and outcomes remain central to all decisions. For an informal chat about this role please contact Shelley at Shelley.Piercy@leicester.gov.uk

Region: Central

Location: New Parks House

Salary: *GBP*55,825 – *GBP*60,443 Per Year

Package

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full time,

Full Time / 37 or 32.5 Hours Per Week / Permanent

About The Role

Leicester City Council is seeking a strategic and highly skilled leader to take on the role of SEND Inclusion Post-16 Lead Officer.

This post is open to candidates with relevant experience and will be advertised to applicants who either hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or have relevant post‑16 experience.

Applicants with QTS will be required to work 32.5 hours per week, term time only. Applicants without QTS but with relevant experience will be required to work 37 hours per week, year‑round. Appointment in both cases will be on the same pay.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of our SEND system, leading the development of high-quality, inclusive Post-16 provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This role is central to delivering the ambitions set out in the Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which outlines a 10-year vision for a more inclusive, consistent, and sustainable education system where every child can succeed.

You Will Help Shape a System That Delivers

• Right support, in the right place, at the right time
• Stronger mainstream inclusion
• Improved outcomes and preparation for adulthood
• Financial sustainability and accountability

Context: SEND Reform 2026

The 2026 reforms represent a system-wide shift in how SEND is delivered and funded, including:

• A move to a tiered model of support (universal, targeted, targeted-plus, specialist)
• Reduced reliance on EHCPs, with greater focus on early intervention and mainstream capacity
• Introduction of more consistent national expectations and standards
• Stronger focus on outcomes, inclusion, and value for money

This role will be critical in translating these reforms into effective Post-16 practice and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities