Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion

Job description

Job responsibilities

Shaping the future of Education

Together, were the moment makers.

About the role

Together, were shaping childrens education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by providing children and young people with the best possible education.

As the Deputy Director of Education and Inclusion, you will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration among Education Leaders and Partners to enhance inclusivity and improve educational outcomes for children and young people across Oxfordshire.

You will oversee the daily operations and delivery of statutory education and inclusion services leading a substantial workforce, covering children from pre-birth to 25 years (or 19 years under certain legal frameworks).Additionally, you will line manage Assistant Directors responsible for School and Setting (Sufficiency), School and Setting (Standards, Effectiveness and Performance), and SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) and Inclusion.

As Deputy Director, you will lead strategic planning, technical management and service delivery for Education and Inclusion, which represents a large, high-risk, highly regulated, and complex portfolio, driving strategic priorities through a widespread range of high-profile front-line services, including School and Setting (Sufficiency), School and Setting (Standards, Effectiveness and Performance) and SEND and Inclusion.This includes safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and outcomes of all children in Oxfordshire, including those who are visiting or placed under Belonging Regulations.

Embodying our value of 'daring to do it differently,' you will understand what 'Good or Better' looks like and strive for continuous improvement.By using evidence, data, and assurance mechanisms, you will champion best practices and be a strong advocate for children and young people, ensuring their needs and outcomes are at the forefront of all initiatives.

About us

Together, were focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, youll look around and say, I make a difference. Because were all creating lasting change to peoples lives in Oxfordshire.

We are a large County Council with a population of 750,000 and c. 155,000 children.We have 367 schools and settings across a mixed demography from rural primary to inner-city secondaries schools and post 16 colleges.We understand that education and our settings are the greatest universal service we have to provide equality of opportunity and to support personal and social development for our children and young people. Safeguarding and supporting schools to deliver quality first teaching is at the heart of what we do.

Our new Deputy Director for Education and Inclusion will be an experienced and seasoned leader, understanding the role that local authorities play in developing outstanding education systems.This will include leadership across organisations and stakeholders, providing effective support and continuous improvement.

Our new leader will have a full understanding of new legislative changes under the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024. We have been on an ambitious change and transformation in the quality of our SEND and Inclusion services. Progress has been made, but we recognise there is more to do.You will be part of taking that continuous improvement to the next stage of our plans and financial and strategic skills are an essential as we support schools for the future.

As part of a coherent and supportive Directors Leadership Team you will be part of an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions.Were not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.

We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself while raising the bar for the future of Education.

You will be joining us at a time of transformation to improve the wellbeing and outcomes for all children in Oxfordshire as part of our ambitious Children and Young Peoples Plan.

Our work is central to the council's strategic plan of making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer and healthier place to live.

Are you in?

About you

We are seeking a seasoned professional with comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of this role.The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of relevant regulations, legislation, and best practices within their area of expertise and the broader sector.They will have a proven track record of leading a large service within a complex and diverse organisation, effectively managing constant change and transformation, and inspiring the workforce to achieve continuous improvement.Additionally, you will have experience in fostering a high-performance, cost-effective culture that delivers outstanding outcomes through various mechanisms, including organisational structure, working methods, and contracts.

Equally important, you will exemplify our core values in all you do.

Always learning: You will have a professional education qualification, significant experience in senior leadership, and a talent for strategic delivery.

• Be Kind and Care: You will be a natural leader who understands and respects the unique qualities, abilities, strengths, and diverse backgrounds of individuals.
• Equality and integrity in all you do: You will possess an in-depth understanding of legislation and best practices within your area of expertise and the wider sector, along with a good grasp of national and local government developments, policies, and emerging trends.
• Taking responsibility:You will take responsibility for your team to deliver on the vision of Oxfordshire County Council, driving continual improvements and ensuring financial stability in terms of budget.
• Daring to do it differently:You will have significant experience leading diverse and multifaceted teams at a senior level, uniting activities to achieve aligned objectives.

Fundamentally, youll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because were here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire.

Rewards and benefits

Culture of flexible working

• Competitive salary £120K to reflect the significance of the post
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 days holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Unlimited tea and coffee, and access to local cafe discounts.
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Curious to learn more? Contact Lisa Lyons, Corporate Director of Children Services for a confidential and informative chat!

lisa.lyons@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Ourcommitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)