Location
Cognus Office, First Floor, Cantium House, Wallington, SM6 0DZ / Hybrid working

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
Cognus Band 5 starting salary £66,833 up to £75,060 per annum

About the Role
Cognus Limited is a Local Authority Traded Company commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton to provide education services to early years providers, mainstream schools and specialist education settings in Sutton. Wholly owned by the local authority, we deliver a wide range of high-quality services that improve the lives of children, young people, and families in Sutton and beyond.

Shape the future of SEND support in Sutton and make a lasting difference to children, young people and families.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the operational delivery of significant SEND reforms. Experts at Hand is a major national initiative designed to bring specialist education and health expertise directly into mainstream schools, early years settings and colleges, helping children get the right support earlier and improving inclusion across local communities.

Working across the London Borough of Sutton, you will be responsible for coordinating and driving the implementation of Sutton's Experts at Hand model, ensuring multidisciplinary teams, schools, health professionals and wider partners work together to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This role is about turning ambition into action, building effective systems, leading change and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

As the operational lead, you will oversee the deployment of significant investment in SEND reform, lead a team of skilled professionals and play a pivotal role in developing inclusive practice across schools and settings. Your work will help children access support earlier, strengthen mainstream provision and reduce barriers to learning and participation.

We offer an excellent package including:
- Starting salary of £66,833 per annum (Cognus Band 5)
- Workplace pension scheme with 4% to 8% matched contributions
- 28 days annual leave pro rata (plus Bank Holidays)
- Regular manager support and supervision
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Staff benefits package including Employee Assistance Programme, life insurance, employee benefits platform and (upon completion of probation) health care (subject to change to maintain service quality and affordability)
- Staff EDI group and Mental Health First Aiders to support wellbeing and inclusion
- Cognus Coaching Programmes
- An ambitious culture with friendly and supportive colleagues

Experience
Proven experience as an operational leader with a strong understanding of SEND and inclusion. Demonstrated success in delivering change within complex, multi-agency environments.

About you
Passionate about inclusion and improving life chances for children and young people. Skilled at building partnerships and bringing people together to achieve shared goals. Motivated by the opportunity to lead significant SEND reforms and develop inclusive practice across education settings.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications and experience in SEND, education leadership or related fields are desirable. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is essential. All employment offers are subject to successful completion of recruitment formalities including an enhanced DBS check.