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All about the Role

Are you ready to make a real difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Peterborough? As our Head of Statutory Assessment and Monitoring (SAMS), you'll lead a dedicated team responsible for the statutory processes around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). You'll ensure robust decision-making, compliance, and performance, chair key panels, and drive strategic improvements across the service area.  You'll manage a significant budget, oversee the development of statutory responsibilities, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SEND provision in our city. This is a high-impact leadership role, offering the chance to influence outcomes for thousands of children and young people.

This position is being offered as a fixed term contract, however, it may also be regarded and accepted as a secondment either from within the sector or from other local authorities, depending on their policies and subject to approval by the line manager.

All about our Team

Are you the leader for this team? Can you offer the management and leadership required?

The Statutory Assessment and Monitoring Service (SAMS) at Peterborough City Council is a friendly and committed team dedicated to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Their main responsibilities encompass processing and coordinating statutory assessments, overseeing the ongoing monitoring and review of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and engaging in mediation and tribunal work to resolve issues and complaints in a restorative manner. The team collaborates closely with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure clear communication and to provide guidance throughout the assessment and annual review process, as well as during transitions between educational settings. By working as part of the wider Inclusion Services, SAMS also partners with specialist teaching teams, educational psychologists, and local support services, all with the shared aim of ensuring that each child receives tailored support and has the opportunity to reach their full potential and overcome barriers to learning.

All about You

We're looking for a dynamic, solution-focused leader with:

In-depth knowledge of the statutory SEN framework and relevant legislation

Proven experience in assessment, monitoring, and drafting EHCPs, ideally with a background in schools or multi-agency settings

Strong leadership and social skills – able to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team

Ability to work under pressure and within tight timescales, with a flexible and responsive approach

Commitment to equality, diversity, and excellent customer care

A degree or equivalent 

Current driving licence and willingness to travel as needed

Is this the job for you? 

All about our Benefits 
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme… 

Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes 

Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)  

Access to car lease scheme 

Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances 

Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings 

Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth 

Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day 

Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network 

Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards 

All about our Commitments 
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact (url removed)  we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment