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- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs through tailored assistance and workshops.
- Company: Join West Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to empowering children and promoting inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including some remote work and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing your career in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND support is essential; enthusiasm and a caring attitude are key.
- Other info: Full-time role with travel required; commitment to safeguarding is crucial.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Working within the People Directorate, Education Services ensure that early help and specialist support is provided to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and proactively champion the inclusion of all children in education.
The post holder will carry a caseload of approximately 50 cases, providing support tailored to the needs of the child and their school, family, or carers. This is a School Age role supporting children across their homes, settings, schools, and occasionally other locations. The role primarily involves working with primary age children, but support may be required for children across different age groups.
The post holder will also contribute to delivering courses and workshops, which may include occasional evening sessions (scheduled in advance). This role offers a flexible working style, requiring presence at the office, visits to settings, and meetings in person or online within working hours. Some remote work may be possible, subject to service needs and prior agreement with the line manager. This is a full-time, 37-hour per week, permanent contract. Part-time options are not currently available. Travel within West Northamptonshire and occasionally beyond will be required.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is a regulated activity requiring a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
About you: The SEND Practitioner roles are based within the SEND Support Service. We seek experienced and enthusiastic colleagues to join our established team. The service supports children and young people aged 0-19 at home and in educational settings, empowering parents and school staff through various support methods, including working directly with children and young people, and conducting targeted workshops.
At West Northants Council, we value our people—those who thrive with ambition, embrace new ideas, seek better ways of working, care about details, and face challenges head-on. Our culture offers new experiences, opportunities, and career growth, uniting like-minded individuals. Our vision is to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit, and thrive. Our corporate values—Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower (THRIVE)—guide our service delivery.
We are committed to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion, ensuring these principles are integral to our work. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner. For additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact us at careers@westnorthants.gov.uk.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
SEND Practitioner employer: West Northants Council
Contact Detail:
West Northants Council Recruiting Team
careers@westnorthants.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SEND framework and current legislation. Understanding the legal context and best practices in supporting children with special educational needs will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of SEND. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific case studies or experiences where you've successfully supported children with SEND. Being able to share real-life examples will showcase your practical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Northamptonshire Council's values and culture. Aligning your personal values with those of the organisation, such as Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower, will help you articulate why you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEND Practitioner role. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly those with SEND. Include specific examples of how you've supported children and collaborated with families or educational settings.
Showcase Your Values: Demonstrate how your personal values align with West Northamptonshire Council's corporate values—Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower (THRIVE). Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you embody these values in your work.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by researching common interview questions for SEND roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to supporting children with diverse needs and how you would contribute to workshops and courses as mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a SEND Practitioner does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially regarding supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to support children and young people. Highlight any relevant workshops or courses you've delivered, as well as your experience working with families and schools.
✨Emphasise Your Values
West Northamptonshire Council values Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower (THRIVE). Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your approach to supporting children and their families.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the council's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
