Announcement of New Director SEND and Inclusion

We are really pleased to announce that a permanent Director for SEND and Inclusion has been appointed.

Helen Ellis, currently Service Director Education, SEND and Family Solutions at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, will take up the role in November.

This continues the recruitment of permanent senior management roles to improve and stabilise the SEND service.

During her time at Dudley Council, Helen led the creation of the Dudley Early Help offer and strategy, oversaw an intensive improvement programme for SEND and launched a new SEND strategy for the council late last year. Helen was also key in bringing schools together to ensure Dudley has a co-ordinated approach on how results and outcomes can be improved for children. Helen worked to develop long-lasting relationships with local organisations, such as with partners in health, the Parent Carer Forum and other voluntary organisations.

Sue Harrison, Director of Children’s Services, said: “I’m delighted that Helen Ellis is joining us as Director SEND and Inclusion later this year. Helen really impressed us at interview with her significant experience in children’s services leadership as well as her understanding of the Birmingham landscape. She will bring much-needed leadership and stability to the SEND area as we continue on our improvement journey.  She has co-production at the heart of her work and I know is excited to meet our Parent Carer Forum, our school colleagues and all our partners.  I’m very grateful to everyone working within our SEND services for their ongoing commitment and hard work while we have been undertaking this recruitment.”