At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects in children's services and drive positive change for SEND.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to inclusivity and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a competitive pension, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse applicants are encouraged; we value unique perspectives and backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND strategy and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Salary: £47,181 – £50,269
Working arrangements: Flexible working available
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Responsibilities
- Report directly to the Head of Programme Management Office.
- Apply subject‑matter expertise in SEND, alternative provision or high‑needs sufficiency planning.
- Understand statutory frameworks, read EHCPs and demand data, and translate findings into sufficiency assessments and evidence base.
- Produce analytical reports that inform gateway decisions and support capital business cases.
- Maintain an evidence base that drives funding and programme outcomes, avoiding purely administrative tasks.
- Collaborate with local authority teams, partners, and stakeholders to deliver programme objectives.
Qualifications
- Background in SEND strategy, specialist commissioning or high‑needs planning within a local authority context.
- Strong analytical and report‑writing skills.
- Knowledge of statutory frameworks for children’s services and SEN.
- Experience interpreting EHCPs and demand data.
- Ability to contribute to commissioning and funding programmes.
Additional Information
- Enhanced DBS check required.
- Overseas applicants must provide a criminal records check from all countries lived in during the last five years if they are the preferred candidate.
- Applicants must be ready to start with all necessary legal documents (e.g., visa). The council does not sponsor visas.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Support for health and wellbeing.
- Opportunities for training and development.
Equality and Inclusion
We are an inclusive employer. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, including those with past convictions. We do not discriminate on any protected characteristic and ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process.
Application Information
CVs are not accepted for this role. The job profile and exposure profile documents are available on the council website. For more information visit Barnsley Council Jobs.
Closing date: 5 June 2026 at 23:59
Senior Programme Officer, Children's Services (SEND) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
As a Senior Programme Officer in Children's Services, you will join a forward-thinking local authority that prioritises flexible working and employee wellbeing. With a strong commitment to professional development and an inclusive work culture, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on SEND strategy while collaborating with diverse stakeholders. The council's competitive pension scheme and support for health initiatives further enhance its appeal as an excellent employer in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Officer, Children's Services (SEND) in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's services sector, especially those involved in SEND. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your experience with EHCPs and demand data. Make it clear how your analytical skills can drive funding and programme outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on statutory frameworks and local authority processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart from other candidates and show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and the council's values there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Officer, Children's Services (SEND) in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience in SEND and high-needs planning fits into what we're looking for. Tailor your application to highlight those relevant skills!
Show Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves producing analytical reports, make sure to showcase your report-writing abilities. We love seeing examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or drive outcomes in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences that relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you'll find all the necessary documents there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with statutory frameworks, EHCPs, and demand data, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical abilities and how you've used them in past roles. Bring examples of reports you've produced that influenced decisions or funding outcomes, as this will showcase your capability to contribute effectively to commissioning and funding programmes.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Think about times when you've worked with local authority teams or stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you collaborated to achieve programme objectives, as teamwork is key in this role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can fit into their team and contribute to their goals, especially regarding high-needs sufficiency planning.
