Inclusion Service Manager

Are you passionate about breaking down systemic barriers to education?

Can you champion the right of vulnerable children receiving an inclusive education that transforms their life outcomes?

Be the difference, make the change to #TeamNEL

We are looking for an Inclusion Service Manager to join us on a full time permanent basis.

What will your day look like?

As the Inclusion Service Manager, no two days are identical. You will lead and inspire a diverse team across the Education Welfare Service and Inclusion Service, strategically driving improvements in school attendance and managing statutory functions

On any given day, you might:

• Drive School Attendance: Line managing the Council's Education Welfare Service to ensure statutory functions are undertaken and our schools are supported in embedding inclusive practice to promote attendance.

• Lead Statutory Panel Functions: Act as the Local Authority’s named officer and primary contact for Section 19 referrals, chairing multi-agency Section 19 panel meetings and ensuring statutory obligations are met.

• Oversee Alternative Provision (AP): Monitor AP processes and placements, quality-assuring registered AP settings using DfE standards, local commissioning expectations, and robust professional challenge.

• Build Strategic Partnerships: Work closely with School Admissions, the Virtual School Head, SEND management, headteachers, health, police, and social care to champion inclusion across the borough.

• Analyse & Deliver: Use data insights to inform decision-making, manage service budgets effectively, lead practice development/training, and deputise for the Deputy Service Director when required.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced, resilient, and vision-driven leader with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level education. You bring substantial leadership experience within schools or local authority settings, paired with deep expertise in DfE statutory guidance, KCSIE, local safeguarding procedures, and Ofsted inspection frameworks.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Educational Background: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), degree-level education, and evidence of management qualifications or practical managerial experience.

• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough, up-to-date knowledge of school attendance legislation, suspension/exclusion guidance, the DfE Alternative Provision guidance, and statutory Section 19 duties.

• Collaborative & Courageous Leadership: Proven ability to chair multi-agency meetings on complex issues, line manage teams effectively, and deliver constructive challenge to colleagues, Headteachers, and statutory partners.

• Data-Driven & Financial Acuity: Skilled in using data intelligence to deploy resources, quality-assure provision, and manage service budgets within strict financial disciplines.

• Values-Led Champion: A leader who embodies our core values—Valuing People, Honesty, Striving for Continuous Improvement, Openness, Commitment, and Integrity.

• If you are ready to shape an inclusive educational landscape where every child in North East Lincolnshire can thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Why join us?

You'll join a supportive team of Education Service Managers, motivated by the purpose of improving outcomes for children across North East Lincolnshire.

Supported by an 'Outstanding' leadership team, you will work in an organisation committed to developing our workforce, promoting wellbeing, and agile and flexible working opportunities.

Key Dates

We aim to interview candidates w/c 14 December 2026.

For more information, please refer to the attached guidance and role profile. If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Joe White, Deputy Service Director – Inclusion joseph.white@nelincs.gov.uk

We reserve the right to close our adverts early if we have received a significant volume of suitable applications.

Check out our NELC Benefits brochure attached for more information on the brilliant benefits available working at North East Lincolnshire Council!

We love AI and think it plays a great role in the world of work. However, for your application, we want to hear from YOU! As such, we will be testing applications to determine the use of AI, and applications that have heavily utilised the function will be scrutinised for suitability.

Do you need support?

Looking for career support? Wendy Trask from the Career Café can provide advice and guidance on job searching, completing application forms, building confidence, and accessing digital support. To speak with Wendy, call or text 07702 338542.