SEND Operations Assistant

TN United Kingdom; Colchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority is seeking a SEND Operations Assistant to enhance the support provided to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This role involves coordinating statutory processes, liaising with various stakeholders, and ensuring effective monitoring and provision development. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice. Join a dynamic team committed to transformational change in a stimulating public service environment that values innovation and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Educated to RQF level 2 or equivalent by experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of SEND Code of Practice 2015.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate responses to incoming notifications from Health colleagues.
• Support the preparation of papers for the Annual Review process.
• Provide triage of all incoming contacts to the SEND Operations team.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Time Management

Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice

Education

RQF Level 2

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Closing Date: Thursday 8th May 2025 at 11.59pm

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity for a period of 24 months.

Interview date: Thursday 22nd May 2025

The Opportunity

Essex County Council has embarked upon a programme of change for provision and services with the ambition to profoundly improve the outcomes and life experience of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our vision is for a SEND system which identifies and assesses need at an earlier stage and which provides appropriate and impactful support without such high dependence on Essex County Council’s statutory services.

The SEND Operations Assistant provides administration and support to the statutory SEND processes such as the Annual Review Process, in particular at phase transfer, as well as providing a triage service for all contacts received by the SEND Operations Team. Support will also be provided to the Inclusion Team in relation to health referrals.

Qualifications required include an RQF level 2 and thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice 2015, along with experience of working with young people with SEND.

Accountabilities

1. Receive, log and coordinate responses to incoming Section 23 and 24 notifications from Health colleagues regarding children with SEND. Liaise with Senior Inclusion Partners to ensure effective monitoring, provision development, and signposting systems are in place.
2. Receive, log, and coordinate all incoming post-16 requests for assessment, liaising with schools, settings, and other key stakeholders including the Preparing for Adulthood Team.
3. Support the preparation of papers for and coordination of the Annual Review process, ensuring that schools and settings are informed of who should be involved during each academic term, and that appropriate attendees are invited.
4. Provide triage of all incoming contacts to the SEND Operations team, acting as the first contact for parents/carers, CYP, schools, settings, and other partner agencies. Signpost service users to relevant teams where appropriate and respond to queries wherever possible.
5. Provide administrative support to SEND Operations Co-Ordinators by sending formal consultations to schools and settings as part of the EHC Assessment Process and coordinating responses.
6. Receive, log, and direct inward transfer notifications, liaising with SEND Operations Partners and Co-ordinators to ensure statutory processes and timescales are fully complied with.
7. Maintain tracking systems for all students at the point of phase transfer each year, providing support to ensure statutory processes are followed and EHCPs are ceased in a timely manner.
8. Ensure data is recorded accurately and promptly to enable reporting on statutory timescales, out-of-authority placements, and CYP with alternative education offers, and to monitor pupil records.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to RQF level 2 or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Thorough working knowledge of SEND Code of Practice 2015.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage workload and adapt to changing circumstances.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, Essex is an ideal place to develop your career or contribute to the community.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, aiming to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about this initiative and our ongoing efforts throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to stay informed about other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, and events at Essex County Council, please join our mailing list.

If you have queries about this role or require further information, please contact us. Follow us on our social media channels, and more details can be found on our website.