Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead)
Manchester City Council
Help Shape the Future of SEND Inclusion in Manchester Manchester is on an ambitious journey to transform outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As a UNICEF Child Friendly City and an Outstanding Children's Services authority, Manchester has a strong track record of innovation, partnership working and inclusion. Over the last three years we have proudly led the North West SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme on behalf of the Department for Education, helping to test and shape the future reforms that will create a more inclusive system for children and families. Manchester is recognised nationally for our innovative approach to SEND and inclusion, our strong local partnerships and our commitment to co-production with children, young people and families. This is an exciting opportunity to join Manchester's senior education leadership team at a pivotal moment. As our Senior School Quality Assurance Officer (SEND Inclusion Lead), you will play a strategic role in delivering our Local SEND Reform Plan and helping to build a system where children and young people receive support that is: Early. Local. Fair. Effective. Shared. You will lead work with schools, settings, trusts and partner agencies to strengthen inclusion across Manchester, ensuring more children and young people can thrive within their local communities and have their needs met without unnecessary escalation to statutory processes. Our vision is simple but ambitious: "For children to live in a place they call home, with people and things they love, in communities that look out for them, doing things that matter." As SEND Inclusion Lead, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND quality assurance, school improvement and inclusion across Manchester. Working within the School Quality Assurance and SEND Service, you will: Lead and develop Manchester's approach to inclusive practice across schools and settings. Drive implementation of the Local SEND Reform Plan and Manchester Inclusion Strategy. Support schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through high support and high challenge. Lead quality assurance of SEND across educational settings. Work with Multi-Academy Trusts, maintained schools and partners to strengthen inclusive cultures and behaviours. Support the development of Manchester's innovative Experts at Hand model, bringing specialist expertise closer to schools and families. Use data, intelligence and evaluation to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement. Contribute to city-wide strategies designed to improve attendance, reduce exclusions and increase participation for children and young people with SEND. Work collaboratively across education, health, social care and family hubs to deliver lasting system change. We are looking for an inspiring and credible leader who: Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Has substantial senior leadership experience within SEND/Inclusion. Holds Qualified Teacher Status or other professional qualification relevant to SEND. Has a strong track record of delivering significant strategic improvement. Has in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with Local Area SEND and the SEND Reforms. Has experience of leading strategically across partnerships. Can build strong relationships while providing effective support and challenge, influencing and inspiring partners to drive improvement. Shares Manchester's commitment to co-production, equity and inclusion. If you want to influence policy, shape practice and help create one of the most inclusive education systems in the country and make a lasting difference to the lives of Manchester's children, young people and families, we would love to hear from you. Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone Benefits we offer Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. Guaranteed Assessment Scheme We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below: When You Join Us We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: For more information about the role or any adjustments, email specialistrecruitment@manchester.gov.uk What we will need from you if you're successful In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. Other relevant information We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
For more information about working for Manchester Council, please visit Careers - Manchester City Council
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Location
, , Manchester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
8788
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AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.
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This means:
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Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job
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AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.
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Using AI in Your Application
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We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.
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How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly
Your application is your chance to show us:
Who you are
What you can bring
The values you hold
Why you want to make a difference
AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.
AI is most helpful when used to:
Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
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Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process
Do:
Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice
Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself
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Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have
Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice
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