Head of Inclusion 0-25 Service

Our Story:

Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports.

Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services.

We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.

Our Team:

The Head of Service for SEND and Inclusion is an integral role within our Education, Inclusion and Provision Division within our children's services.

This strategic leadership position is central to shaping inclusive education across Halton, ensuring that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to thrive. You will be joining a passionate and experienced team committed to improving outcomes and championing equity in education, as well as working closely with colleagues across the SEND Partnership. Based in our central offices in Runcorn, the role offers flexible working arrangements, a supportive professional environment, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across the borough.

37 hours per week

Your Contributions:

As Head of Service for SEND and Inclusion, you will:

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of SEND and inclusion services across Halton, ensuring alignment with national legislation and local priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement in outcomes for children and young people with SEND, working closely with schools, health services, and families.
• Manage and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee statutory responsibilities, including the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and compliance with the SEND Code of Practice.
• Champion inclusive practices across the borough, promoting equity and access in education settings.

Our Offer:

Aside from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service
• Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
• Investment in your personal development
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites
• Flexible working arrangements
• Car leasing schemes

Next Steps:

At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well-informed so if you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Benjamin Holmes 01517817, mobile number 07825978476, Benjamin.holmes@halton.gov.uk

Interviews will take place on 29 and 30 September 2025.

At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk

Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application!