SEND Advisor Early Years

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Uxbridge seeks a SEND Advisor Early Years to support children aged 0–5 with special educational needs. The role involves working with practitioners and families to ensure needs are identified early and appropriate interventions are made. Applicants should have expertise in early childhood development and be skilled in training and collaboration. This position offers flexible working hours and a rewarding environment.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering training to educational practitioners.
• Knowledge of SEND strategies and tools.
• Proven ability to collaborate with families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality training to Early Years practitioners.
• Design and lead inclusive parent–child activity sessions.
• Support families in understanding child development.
• Promote the use of the My Support Plan tool.
• Collaborate with health, education, and social care partners.

Skills

Early childhood development

Inclusive practice

SEND expertise

Training delivery

Collaboration with professionals

Education

Relevant qualification in early childhood education

Job description

Overview

Join us as an SEND Advisor Early Years and make a lasting impact on children aged 0–5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by supporting them through a flexible, needs-led approach that puts each child’s development at the heart of early intervention. As a key member of the SEND Advisory Service, you will work directly with the Early Years sector, families, and professionals to ensure that children with SEND are identified early and receive the support they need to thrive. You will work with children across a wide spectrum of SEND, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language difficulties, social-emotional development, global developmental delay, and varied approaches to learning. You will bring your expertise in early childhood development, inclusive practice, and SEND to empower practitioners and parents alike. This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across the Early Years sector, supporting professionals to use tools such as the Progress Check at Age Two, EYFS Profile, WellComm, ASQ, and observational tracking to identify needs early and intervene effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality training to Early Years practitioners, building their confidence and capacity to support children with SEND across a range of needs.
• Design and lead inclusive parent–child activity sessions using the EYFS curriculum and evidence-based parenting programmes.
• Support families in understanding their child’s development and behaviour, offering practical strategies and reassurance.
• Promote the use of the My Support Plan as a co-produced, person-centred planning tool across the Early Years sector.
• Collaborate with health, education, and social care partners to ensure coordinated, joined-up support for families.
• Contribute to the development of inclusive environments by modelling strategies, making referrals, and supporting childminders and other providers to meet the needs of children with SEND.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration and support seamless transitions between Early Years providers and school settings.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. We offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Standard 36-hour workweek for full-time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – Increases with length of service for non-casual roles.
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Discounts at council-owned leisure centres and pools.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Options for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing, and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with cycle purchase support; bicycle parking, lockers, and showers available at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – Access to the scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Offers and discounts through Vivup.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling – Free 24-hour confidential support and counselling with additional legal advice services for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Our aim is for our workforce to represent all sections of society and Hillingdon residents, welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds. We strive to ensure a recruitment process free from discrimination and bias and provide reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected and able to contribute meaningfully to our organisation’s success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria and wish to be considered under this scheme. Candidates declaring a disability may opt in for consideration under this scheme on a per-application basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and may require a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 3 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees in the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.