Children Not in School Lead, SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL Full Time

We are excited to be hiring a new Children Not in School (CNiS) Lead to join our fantastic team in the West of Surrey, based at Victoria Gate, Woking. We offer the opportunity to work from home on a hybrid basis, and are willing to consider flexible working arrangements.

Our Offer to You

• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About The Role

The ‘Schools and Well-Being Bill’ places Children Not in School as a central part of the legislation to ensure all children receive a suitable education. Our practice in Surrey around Children Not in School is well established and has been referenced positively by OfSTED in Local Authority Inspections.

However, with the passing of legislation of new statutory expectations for local authorities, we want to build and develop our practice and policy to meet these new duties and ensure children are safe and learning. You will be part of a committed team making a real difference to children’s lives, with opportunities for professional development and involvement in shaping service strategy.

We are excited to be looking to appoint an area Lead for Children Not in School (CNiS) to join our CNiS service in the west. You will be leading a team who support children and young people who are Electively Home Educated, who are Children Missing Education (CME), who are not on the roll of a school, and are receiving packages of alternative provision.

This is a key leadership position, working alongside the Children Not in School Service Manager to ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties around children who are not accessing suitable school placements, ensuring no one is left behind.

The role is wide ranging and impactful. As well as having direct line management responsibilities, you will also support the development of partnership policy and practice, how services identify children not receiving a suitable education and how the Council meets its Section 19 duties.

Your key responsibilities as a Children Not in School Lead will include:

• Line managing a team of Elective Home Education Officers (EHEOs)
• Line managing the CNiS Team; an Alternative Provision Quality Manager and CNiS SENCo in supporting the co-ordination of service action around Children Missing Education
• Managing and directing service action for Children Missing Education
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead for CNiS West
• Developing practice and policy regarding the delivery of Council services of its Section 19 Duties
• Leading strategic service development around CNiS
• Supporting policy and practice compliance with national standards
• Overseeing reporting, quality assurance and complex case management
• Undertaking home visits and risk assessments for new referrals
• Working proactively to direct partnership / service action to support children back into education provision at the earliest opportunity

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree
• Experience of managing staff
• Experience of working with young people and strong knowledge of SEND and inclusive learning environments
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners
• Competence in MS Office and data management systems
• A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

To apply, we request that you submit a CV outlining your key strengths and employment history. In addition, we would ask you provide a letter of application with a focus on:

• What attracted you to the CNiS post?
• An example of how you have successfully managed and developed a team of staff. What strategies did you use to ensure high performance and professional growth?
• An example of how you have worked effectively with multiple agencies to support a child or young person with complex needs
• An example of when you contributed to service development or policy improvement

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 10th June with interviews anticipated to take place on the 18th June.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.