At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND by coordinating and managing their educational plans.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a team focused on improving SEND services and promoting equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND in education and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
The Senior Inclusion Officer is a key point of contact for families, schools and partner agencies involved with children and young people with SEND.
You will:
- Coordinate and manage a caseload of children and young people aged 0–25
- Lead on the coordination, drafting and review of high-quality, person-centred EHC plans
- Provide information and advice on statutory SEND processes to schools, families and professionals
- Work in partnership with education, health and social care colleagues to ensure appropriate support and provision
- Attend multi-agency and statutory meetings, including Annual Reviews
- Ensure all work is completed in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice
- Take a lead in an area of the system that will advise and support the whole team
The SENDSARS team leads statutory SEND processes and works closely with a wide range of internal and external partners to support children and young people into appropriate educational provision and achieve the best possible outcomes. This is an important time for our service as we continue to strengthen and improve our SEND offer across Sheffield. A key focus of this role will be coordinating and writing clear, person-centred EHC plans that accurately reflect need and support positive outcomes.
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience of working with children and young people with SEND in an educational setting
- A strong commitment to inclusive education
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience of effective partnership and multi-agency working
- The ability to manage competing demands and work to statutory deadlines
- Strong organisational skills and a high standard of written English
- A calm, professional and solution-focused approach
- Knowledge of the statutory SEND assessment process and Annual Reviews would be desirable.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly. It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.
If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.
Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Senior Inclusion Officer in Sheffield employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the Council offers flexible working opportunities and generous holiday entitlements, ensuring that staff can balance their professional and personal lives effectively. As a Senior Inclusion Officer, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a collaborative team culture in the vibrant city of Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Inclusion Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and SEND sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND and inclusion. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of a Senior Inclusion Officer. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported children and young people with SEND. This will help us see your commitment and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inclusion Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND.
Be Clear and Concise:We want to see your strong written English skills, so keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon to ensure your message is easily understood.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience working with children and young people with SEND. Detail specific roles or projects where you’ve made a positive impact, as this will resonate with us and show you’re the right fit.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Senior Inclusion Officer role, and don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the statutory SEND assessment process and the Children and Families Act 2014. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the legal framework that guides the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Inclusion Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with families, schools, and partner agencies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships and communicated complex information in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
With a caseload of children and young people to manage, strong organisational skills are a must. Be ready to share specific strategies or tools you use to keep track of deadlines and ensure all work is completed on time. This will reassure them that you can handle competing demands.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with education, health, and social care colleagues, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a multi-agency setting. Discussing your experience in attending meetings and coordinating efforts will highlight your teamwork abilities and commitment to inclusive education.
