SEND Officer Virtual School

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Derbyshire Virtual School is seeking a dedicated Virtual School Officer (SEND) to support children and young people in care aged 0-18. This maternity cover role involves assessing SEND needs, coordinating EHC processes, and advocating for learners with partners across education, social care and health.

You will work with carers, schools and SEND services to ensure timely provision, maintain records and promote inclusive practice while upholding safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working with children and young people in a variety of settings.
• Experience of multi-agency working and building effective professional relationships.
• A good understanding of SEND legislation, Children in Care legislation, inclusive practice and educational processes.
• Experience of assessing needs, planning support and reviewing outcomes.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and work effectively in complex situations.
• Strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people.
• Good ICT skills and experience of maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess SEND needs and support the planning of effective interventions.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessment and planning processes, ensuring statutory duties and timescales are met.
• Liaise with local authorities and education providers to secure appropriate educational provision, particularly when children move placements.
• Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their views, aspirations and outcomes remain central to planning.
• Provide advice, guidance and challenge to professionals to promote inclusive education and improve outcomes.
• Deliver training, projects, events and interventions that support the work of the Virtual School.
• Maintain accurate records and work in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

Skills

SEND expertise

Multi-agency working

SEND legislation knowledge

Needs assessment

Communication skills

Workload management

Safeguarding commitment

ICT skills

Education

NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) in a relevant field

Desirable: IPSEA SEND Legal Training or equivalent

Tools

Record-keeping software

Job description

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Derbyshire Virtual School is seeking an experienced and motivated

Virtual School Officer (SEND) to join our dedicated team on a temporary maternity cover basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care aged 0-18. Working within our established Virtual School team, you will help remove barriers to learning, support preparation for adulthood, and ensure children and young people with SEND receive the right support to achieve positive educational outcomes.

About the Role

You will work closely children and young people, carers, social workers, schools, colleges, SEND services and other multi-agency partners to:

• Identify and assess SEND needs and support the planning of effective interventions.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessment and planning processes, ensuring statutory duties and timescales are met.
• Liaise with local authorities and education providers to secure appropriate educational provision, particularly when children move placements.
• Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their views, aspirations and outcomes remain central to planning.
• Provide advice, guidance and challenge to professionals to promote inclusive education and improve outcomes.
• Deliver training, projects, events and interventions that support the work of the Virtual School.
• Maintain accurate records and work in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Significant experience of working with children and young people in a variety of settings.
• Experience of multi-agency working and building effective professional relationships.
• A good understanding of SEND legislation, Children in Care legislation, inclusive practice and educational processes.
• Experience of assessing needs, planning support and reviewing outcomes.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and work effectively in complex situations.
• Strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people.
• Good ICT skills and experience of maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

Essential: NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

Desirable: IPSEA SEND Legal Training or equivalent SEND-related professional development.

We Offer

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to vulnerable children and young people.
• A friendly, supportive and committed Virtual School team.
• Access to high-quality professional development.
• The opportunity to contribute to the continued development of Derbyshire Virtual School and its work across children in care and wider Virtual School responsibilities.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact

Join us in helping children and young people with SEND overcome barriers, achieve their potential and thrive.

Provisional Interview Date: 11 November 2026