SEN officer

North Tyneside Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Bristol is seeking a SEND Officer to coordinate Education Health and Care Needs Assessments and manage the EHCP process. The ideal candidate will have a professional qualification for completing assessments and a thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice. This role offers a supportive environment with a focus on positive outcomes for children and young people.

Benefits

Regular supervision and support

Robust induction and training

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge and understanding of SEND regulations.
• Experience writing and/or reviewing EHCPs is desirable.
• Ability to work proactively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Education Health and Care Needs Assessments.
• Manage the Education Health and Care Plan process.
• Prepare paperwork for mediation and tribunals.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015)

Experience dealing with complex situations

Education

Professional qualification for assessments

Job description

About the Role

The SEND Support Service is responsible for Education Health and Care Needs Assessments and the review of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children and young people in North Tyneside.

SEND Officers are responsible for co-ordinating Education Health and Care Needs Assessments, and managing the Education Heath and Care Plan process including attending and processing annual reviews. The successful applicants must have a sound knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015). A professional qualification demonstrating an ability to complete assessments is essential and experience of writing and / or reviewing EHCPs is desirable.

The role also requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the resilience to deal with complex and challenging situations. You will be required to work proactively with parents, young people, schools and other relevant professionals in order to co-ordinate assessments and reviews within timescales. You may also be required to prepare paperwork and witnesses for mediation and tribunals and may eventually represent the Local Authority in these.

You will be part of an enthusiastic and committed team of SEND officers in one of our four teams. Each team leading on either new assessments, annual reviews (children in 0- year 4), annual reviews (children in year 5- year 8) and preparation for adulthood team (year 9 and onwards).

This is an exciting time to join the service which over recent years has more than doubled in size and continues to review and update its operating model. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive staff group who are passionate about getting the best outcomes for children and young people.

Regular supervision will be available alongside informal support from colleagues and managers. A robust induction and training will be provided for the successful applicant.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion please call 01916438684 and ask to speak to one of the Senior SEND Officers.

Legal and Compliance

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and an Enhanced DBS disclosure, including Barred List Check, will be required.

People First strategy

Our People First strategy is our promise to make North Tyneside Council an exceptional place to work, where everyone can thrive and flourish. A place where people want to work, where joining our team is an exciting prospect, staying with us feels like a great decision, and building your career at North Tyneside Council is a natural progression.

As part of our People First strategy, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our success and the well‑being of our employees and residents. Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.

Together, we’re crafting a workplace that’s built on our values and a shared commitment to making a difference. If you are passionate and committed about making a difference and want to work somewhere where you can make positive change, we will provide the right environment for you to excel.

Safeguarding

Alongside our People First strategy, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to familiarise themselves with all relevant policies, procedures and guidance. Within North Tyneside, safeguarding is everybody’s business.

Reasonable Adjustment

Require a reasonable adjustment? If you feel a reasonable adjustment will provide additional support in both the recruitment process and within the workplace, please indicate this to the hiring manager on your application. Declaring a reasonable adjustment will not subject you to any form of discrimination when determining which applicants are successful for interview and employment with us.

Carbon Net‑Zero 2030 Action Plan

In 2019, North Tyneside Council declared a climate emergency. This declaration set a target to reduce the carbon footprint of the council’s operations, and the borough, by 50% by 2023 and to align to the Government’s net zero target of 2050.

We recognise the significant role we can play in the borough in helping to limit climate change, but we can’t do this alone; we need help from all our residents, businesses, voluntary and community sectors and of course all those who apply and work for us. Together we can make North Tyneside a sustainable place to live and work for everyone in the borough.