SEND and Alternative Provision Service Manager

Job Description

Job Title: SEND & Alternative Provision Service Manager
Salary: £63,393 – £73,167 per annum
Grade: H
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role

The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) services, ensuring statutory duties are met and that children and young people receive high‑quality, timely, and effective support.

The post holder will lead and manage operational teams, drive continuous improvement, and work collaboratively with internal services, education settings, health partners, and families to improve outcomes, promote inclusion, and ensure efficient use of resources.

The SEND/AP Operational Manager will be responsible for translating national legislation and local strategy into effective operational practice, overseeing performance, quality assurance, and compliance, while maintaining a strong focus on co‑production, safeguarding, and early intervention.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory requirements under the Children and Families Act 2014
• Understanding of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the statutory assessment process.
• Knowledge of specialist provisions and resource bases, including the types of needs they cater for.
• Experience working within a SEND service or educational setting supporting children with Special Educational Needs.
• Proven track record of liaising with parents, carers, schools, SENCOs, and multi-agency professionals.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy in practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement

Essential qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

DBS Check: At Basic Level is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 22nd June 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 5th July 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Andrea Winstone on AWinstone@thurrock.gov.uk

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council