Education Inclusion Officer — Exclusions & Safeguarding

Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Stafford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council invites applications for an Education Inclusion Officer. The role involves travelling to district schools, addressing exclusions, and providing legislative guidance to head teachers and families. Hybrid working is available, with an anticipated start in January 2027, subject to checks.

You will partner with schools and professionals to support SEND, use MRI data for monitoring, and participate in panels and tribunals related to permanent exclusions.

Qualifications

• Degree in an appropriate discipline or a professional qualification at an equivalent level (such as social work or teaching) or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of exclusion procedures, legal framework, Fair Access Protocol, DfE Guidance on Exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units.
• Sound working knowledge of safeguarding children, with emphasis in education settings.
• Ability to use own initiative and take responsibility.
• Lead and/or collaborate with professionals from statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Interpret complex situations and offer a solution-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Travelling to district-based colleagues and local schools; establish data collection systems and monitor information on exclusions.
• Provide legislative information and guidance to head teachers, governors, parents, LA colleagues and staff from other agencies.
• Provide challenge to school leaders about unlawful or poor practice within DfE guidance and criminal law.
• Signpost schools and parents to relevant support services per Local Offer and SEND Pathway.
• Work with Alternative Provision Panel to agree provision for SEND pupils, offering guidance.
• Provide high-quality information and appropriate advice to the Council and Senior Officers.
• Represent the Local Authority at governors' committees and SEND tribunals regarding permanent exclusion.
• Manage and document excluded children using the MRI database, keeping data up to date.

Skills

Caseworker

Education setting

Partnerships

Safeguarding

Education

Degree in education / social work / teaching

Professional qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Staffordshire County Council invites applications for an Education Inclusion Officer. The role involves travelling to district schools, addressing exclusions, and providing legislative guidance to head teachers and families. Hybrid working is available, with an anticipated start in January 2027, subject to checks.

You will partner with schools and professionals to support SEND, use MRI data for monitoring, and participate in panels and tribunals related to permanent exclusions.