School Placements Manager

Summary:

School Placements Manager needed to manage referral and placement processes for SEND schools.

About the School:

The school is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers students with learning difficulties to develop essential life skills and achieve their full potential.

The Opportunity:

As a School Placements Manager, you will play a key role in managing the referral and placement process across the school’s SEND settings. This role focuses on building strong relationships with Local Authorities, supporting families through the admissions process, and ensuring that placements are made in line with pupil needs and the school’s specialist provision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Local Authority SEND teams and professionals.
• Coordinate the referral process, ensuring timely and professional responses to all inquiries.
• Manage end-to-end placement coordination, including assessments, school visits, and transition planning.
• Support families throughout the admissions journey, ensuring they feel informed and supported.
• Liaise with school leadership teams to determine suitability and placement decisions.
• Monitor referral trends and produce regular reports on conversion rates and placement outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for strategic improvements in placement processes and occupancy planning.
• Ensure all placements are suitable, realistic, and aligned with the school’s specialist provision.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in SEND education, Local Authority services, or school admissions.
• Strong understanding of EHCP processes and SEND placement pathways.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• High levels of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

Preferred

• Experience within Local Authority SEND teams or independent specialist schools.
• Knowledge of London borough commissioning processes.
• Experience using CRM or referral tracking systems.
• Understanding of occupancy management and school growth planning.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Potential performance-related bonus linked to occupancy and placement outcomes.
• Comprehensive support and professional development opportunities.