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Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education, NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
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Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education, NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education
Children’s Education at Nottingham City Council plays a central role in shaping positive futures for children and young people across the city. Our work spans education improvement, inclusion, early years, SEND, and support services, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, equitable outcomes for all.
Leading within this service offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic change, influence city-wide priorities, and work in partnership to create lasting impact. As Director of Children’s Integrated Services (Education), you will be at the forefront of delivering ambitious, inclusive education services that place Nottingham’s children and families at the heart of everything we do.
Director of Children’s Integrated Services Education
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG
Worker Type: Hybrid role
Salary: £98,388 (Level one) rising to £108,698 (Level four) per annum (Soulbury T&Cs could be considered if the relevant criteria is met)
Lead the Future of Children’s Education in Nottingham
Nottingham City Council is seeking a visionary senior leader to drive the strategic direction of our Children’s Education Division, putting ‘Citizens at the Heart’ of everything we do. This pivotal role involves translating ambitious visions into clear goals and outcomes that positively impact children and young people across the city.
We are looking for an exceptional education leader with significant experience in statutory education services, schools’ leadership, and education improvement within complex public sector environments.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Providing strategic leadership across diverse education services such as quality improvement, inclusion, SEND, early years, admissions, welfare, and support services.
- Collaborating with Councillors, senior leaders, schools, academy trusts, government bodies, and local partners to create conditions for high-performing, integrated children’s services aligned with Nottingham’s ambitions.
- Acting as the principal advisor to the Council on education strategy, policy, and service delivery.
- Leading the division’s response to the Council’s Recovery & Improvement Plan, ensuring readiness for inspections and future challenges.
- Fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Children’s Education Division.
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Leadership Profile
We’re seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking senior leader with substantial experience of leading statutory education services and working closely with schools, academy trusts, and education partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- You’ll bring experience from large, complex organisations, with a proven ability to turn vision into measurable outcomes.
- You’ve led multi-disciplinary teams, built organisational reputation, and delivered sustainable improvements.
- Your leadership balances innovation with strong governance, backed by financial insight and creative problem-solving.
- You’ll inspire high performance, promote accountability, and support wellbeing across teams.
- With a focus on future workforce planning, you’ll lead change with confidence and adaptability, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaboration is key. You’ll work across sectors, build strong partnerships, and navigate political environments with integrity. Your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will be evident in the services you shape - reflecting the needs of Nottingham’s diverse communities.
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You Will Need
- Appropriate professional qualification at degree level (QTS/NPQH would be an advantage)
- Leadership and management qualification (such as ILM Level 7) or willingness to work towards this.
- Significant senior leadership experience within statutory education services, schools, or academy leadership, with a strong understanding of the national education landscape and school improvement.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to analyse complex data and solve problems effectively.
Why Join Nottingham City Council?
This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change for children and young people in Nottingham. Join a forward-thinking council that values innovation, collaboration, and putting citizens first. If you are a strategic leader ready to inspire, empower, and deliver inclusive, high-quality education services, we want to hear from you.
How To Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment by email.
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 9th August 2026. To arrange an informal conversation with Sarah Nardone about the role, please contact gwendoline.williams@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact helen.pearson2@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Outline of Recruitment Process
Stage 1 – Technical Interview (via Microsoft Teams).
Date: Monday 24th August.
This stage will only be scheduled if applicant numbers are high.
Stage 2 – Stakeholder & CYP Panels.
Date: Wednesday 9th September / Thursday 10th September TBC.
- Stakeholder & Senior CLT Interview (via Microsoft Teams)
- CYP Panel (in person)
Stage 3 – ACOS Final Interview (in person)
Date: Wednesday 16th September / Friday 18th September TBC.
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