Head of Service, Quality Education

Head of Service, Quality Education

Location: Swindon

Hours: 37

Salary: £79,455 p.a. plus benefits

Closing date: 15/12/2024

Job reference: 227

Interview date: 06/01/2024

Date posted: 27/11/2024

Reigniting the joy of learning: A borough on a mission

In Swindon, we are committed to making ambitious improvements across all of our childrens services and nothing is more important for our children than to grow up in a borough where learning at all levels is outstanding. We have made considerable progress and are ensuring in phrase 3 of our Transformation plan that we are more integrated in our thinking and more joined up across all our partners.

We believe that our education settings aren’t just buildings; they are the beating heart of our communities, shaping and empowering young minds. Our vision is clear and bold: Every child, every day, in a good school, safe and well.

It takes time, dedication, and a team of passionate individuals to deliver this kind of change and integrated offer for the children we serve. That’s why we’re seeking the very best people to join us on this mission—to support all our colleagues and ensure that every child in Swindon thrives.

We are looking for a Head of Service Quality Education to join us and to shape the future learning in Swindon. You will be a visionary leader with a track record in raising educational standards and fostering collaborative relationships across schools, social care, health and community organisations. Your leadership will be instrumental in influencing a generation – one that will shape the future of Swindon.

This role places you at the heart of our wider transformative effort across our children’s services to improve young lives across the borough, aligning with Swindon’s goals to promote well-being, quality education, and sustainable development.

About the Role

Our new Head of Service - Quality Education, will play a vital role in implementing Swindon’s education strategy across early years, primary, secondary, post-16, and alternative provision services. The role also encompasses the management of partnerships with over 88 schools, 600 early years settings, and responsibilities related to school quality, governance, leadership, and outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving excellence: Lead initiatives that enhance educational standards, ensuring every child has access to exceptional learning environments and supporting Swindon’s ambitions for a fairer and better future.
• Strategic leadership: Collaborate across Children’s Services and Skills Swindon partnership to drive forward our inclusive education agenda, strengthening partnerships with education, health, and social care bodies.
• Professional development: Foster educator growth by facilitating access to training and resources that empower teachers to deliver high-quality education.
• Collaboration and innovation: Develop integrated working models with schools, parents, health, and community partners, promoting an inclusive and community-centred approach.
• Advocacy for vulnerable children: Oversee the virtual school to ensure vulnerable students receive the support they need for success.

About You

You bring a strong foundation in educational leadership with experience driving improvement and change. Your skills in building partnerships and community engagement are matched by a commitment to inclusion and an ability to deliver innovative education solutions that meet diverse needs.

We seek a leader who shares Swindon’s vision and is prepared to champion the priorities of the Swindon Plan, which include fostering fair opportunities for all, enhancing quality of life, and creating a sustainable environment. Your leadership will support projects and priorities such as new school placements for children with special educational needs and local youth initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children facing socio-economic challenges.

Why Swindon?

Swindon is a borough that embraces diversity, with a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and backgrounds represented in our schools – in one of our schools alone 48 different languages are spoken. We serve a community, where high aspirations meet the realities of areas of significant deprivation. While some children face hurdles like low attendance and lower education outcomes, their potential is limitless—and it’s our mission to help them unlock it.

We’re proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary and are committed to creating a sense of community and belonging for all our residents. We’re proud of the passion, commitment and skills of our dedicated Leaders, teachers, and support staff who are focused on ensuring that no child is left behind.

Swindon Borough Council is deeply committed to its transformation journey within Children’s Services. As Head of Service, Quality Education, you’ll have a significant role in reshaping the borough’s educational landscape, working alongside OFSTED, DfE, and local providers to achieve these goals. Our commitment to making Swindon a fairer, better, and greener place to live and learn means you will be part of a dynamic community focused on impactful, sustainable progress.

Be a catalyst for change

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Join us as we bring joy, inclusivity, and excellence back to the heart of learning in Swindon. Together, let’s build a brighter future for our children.

Apply today to become our next Head of Service - Quality Education, and help shape a brighter future for our children.

Your next package

• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 (eligibility criteria applies)
• Competitive salaries
• Free car parking at our central Swindon campus and easy commuter links to many locations

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details

Please see our new Swindon Plan

Your next steps

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion

Read the role profile and to apply please send your CV and cover letter to resourcing@swindon.gov.uk outlining your skills and experience.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Tina Wells on 01793 465202