At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in creating inclusive practices for students missing out on education.
- Company: BCP Council serves a vibrant community of 400,000 residents with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellbeing support, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking council committed to safeguarding and promoting community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education and well-being while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent experience; strong communication and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 € per year.
Role
Inclusion Officer (Alternative Provision)
Salary £31,537 - £34,434 per annum
From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package comes into effect, bringing a new approach to how we recognise and reward roles across the Council. This means the salary for this role will be changing. The pay range for this role will be £33,699 – £39,152 from 1 December 2025.
You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, \"More than just a job\" brochure
Role Purpose
Inclusion Officers work collaboratively with schools to support the development of inclusive practice, which reduces persistent absence and the need to use disciplinary sanctions that result in a children and young people missing out on education or being placed in alternative provision. They will identify children that are: persistently absent from school, missing out on education (because of illness, suspension, exclusion), those who have no school place or are not being offered a full-time suitable education, or whose elective home education is not suitable. For the children and young people identified they will work collaboratively with them, their family, schools and other agencies to ensure that they receive a suitable education either at school, in alternative provision or through being electively home educated.
Main Responsibilities
To establish effective, professional relationships with schools providing information, guidance support to develop good practice which ensures that, wherever possible, all pupils attend school regularly and receive a full-time suitable education.
To identify children who are persistently absent from school or are not receiving a suitable education, including assessing the suitability of elective home education.
To advise and when appropriate, challenge schools, parents or carers, professionals and other agencies when specific children and young people are not attending their education setting regularly or not receiving a suitable, full-time education.
To advise schools and parents/carers on the development and implementation of plans to meet the needs of specific children and young people to ensure they receive a suitable education either at school or through elective home education, including supporting referrals to alternative provision and other agencies where appropriate.
To ensure children and young people’s voices are heard and they have the opportunity to give their opinions on their situation, future educational provision and any plans made to support their attendance.
To monitor the effectiveness of any plans which have been implemented to ensure that specific children and young people attend school regularly and receive a suitable education
To ensure that children and young people that are not on a school roll are located and action taken to secure them a school place and ensure their attendance.
To support the administration of legal and other measures that may be necessary to ensure parents fulfil their responsibility to ensure their children access an appropriate education.
The Ideal Candidate
3 A levels /NVQ, HND or diploma or above in a related field or equivalent in experience
Experience of working collaboratively with and providing advice and guidance to school staff in relation to pupil behaviour and attendance
Experience of effectively working in a collaboratively with a range of professionals and agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Experience of working directly with parents, carers, children and young people.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to understand complex information and communicate its content to a wide range of individuals.
The ability to analyse and understand data
An excellent team player who contributes to and celebrates the success of the whole team, encourages and listens to new ideas and is positive about change.
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills that enable the quick development of positive working relationships with professionals, parents/carers and children, including the ability to be able to challenge in a constructive, non-confrontational and positive way when necessary.
A positive, solution focused and creative approach to problem solving
Excellent planning and organisational skills, the ability to set priorities with their own work and work effectively and flexibly as part of a team in order to meet service need
The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
A high level of professional curiosity that enables the identification of issues and risks that require further investigation and action
The ability to cope with pressure and to manage conflicting priorities effectively and the personal resilience and a tenacity to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved for children and young people
For informal discussions about the post please email Geraint Griffiths (geraint.griffiths@bcpcouncil.gov.uk) to arrange a time to speak on the phone or via Microsoft Teams.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
From 1 December 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new Pay and Reward package, shaped through close collaboration with our trade union partners. This marks a significant step forward in how we recognise and reward our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Our enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it’s flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first- we’re excited to welcome new colleagues into a Council that’s evolving to meet the needs of both our workforce and our communities.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.
Attached documents
Inclusion Officer (Alternative Provision) employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and a new Pay and Reward package coming into effect, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying career-defining opportunities along the stunning coastline of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Officer (Alternative Provision)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of an Inclusion Officer. Understanding the nuances of working collaboratively with schools and agencies will help you articulate your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in inclusion and alternative provision. Building relationships can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and legislation regarding educational inclusion and alternative provision. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children and young people who are struggling with attendance or educational provision.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion Officer (Alternative Provision)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Inclusion Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, schools, or educational settings. Mention specific instances where you have successfully supported inclusive practices or improved attendance.
Showcase Communication Skills:Given the importance of communication in this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to various stakeholders. This could include parents, teachers, or other professionals.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities:Include examples in your application that showcase your ability to handle sensitive situations and resolve conflicts constructively. Highlight your creative approach to problem-solving and how it has led to positive outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Inclusion Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as supporting schools in developing inclusive practices and working collaboratively with families and agencies. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children, parents, and educational professionals. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully improved attendance or supported children in accessing suitable education. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As excellent communication is crucial for this role, be ready to showcase your verbal and written skills. You might be asked to explain complex information simply, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to illustrate your ability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Think about how you would handle challenging situations, such as a child’s persistent absence or a disagreement with a parent. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
