Cognition & Learning Specialist Officer — Inclusive Practice

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council; Halifax; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Calderdale Council is recruiting a Specialist Officer Cognition & Learning to shape outstanding SEND practice across the borough. You will combine specialist assessment, teaching, coaching and leadership to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time.

You will work with schools, families and multi‑agency professionals to strengthen inclusive provision, develop curricula, and lead a small team of Outreach Workers. Hybrid and flexible working supported.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Relevant SEND qualification or commitment to obtain one.
• Experience identifying, assessing and supporting children with SEND.
• Experience using specialist SEND assessment tools.
• Strong knowledge of cognition and learning needs and evidence‑informed practice.
• Excellent classroom practice with proven positive outcomes for children with SEND.
• Experience coaching staff to develop SEND provision.
• Ability to lead, supervise and support colleagues.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation (SEND Code, Children and Families Act, Equality Act).
• Excellent communication, training and report‑writing skills.
• Experience working with families and multi‑agency professionals.
• Full UK driving licence and vehicle access for work.

Responsibilities

• Undertake specialist assessments for children and young people with SEND and recommend provision.
• Deliver and model high‑quality specialist teaching for cognition and learning needs.
• Provide coaching, advice and training to teachers and school staff.
• Support schools to develop effective curricula and adaptations for SEND.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with schools and settings.
• Monitor implementation of recommendations using coaching and QA approaches.
• Lead and support up to three SEND Specialist Outreach Workers.
• Contribute to EHC assessments, planning and reviews.
• Develop training programmes, resources and guidance for cognition and learning.
• Contribute to borough‑wide SEND strategy and pedagogy.

Skills

QTS

SEND knowledge

Leadership ability

Communication skills

Training & coaching

Report writing

Multi‑agency collaboration

Education

QTS

SEND related qualification

Tools

SEND assessment tools

Job description

Calderdale Council is recruiting a Specialist Officer Cognition & Learning to shape outstanding SEND practice across the borough. You will combine specialist assessment, teaching, coaching and leadership to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time.

You will work with schools, families and multi‑agency professionals to strengthen inclusive provision, develop curricula, and lead a small team of Outreach Workers. Hybrid and flexible working supported.