Inclusion Officer in Bristol

As an Inclusion Officer, you will play a key frontline role in supporting children and young people who are at risk of exclusion, struggling with attendance, or facing barriers to education including SEND and emotional wellbeing. Working as part of a locality‑based team, you will operate alongside Senior Inclusion and Commissioning Officers and wider professionals to ensure a coordinated, joined‑up response to children’s needs.

You will:

• Work directly with schools, families, and partners to understand and respond to the needs of children and young people.
• Work collaboratively with Senior Inclusion and Commissioning Officers and locality teams to support coordinated planning, informed decision‑making, and effective delivery of interventions.
• Contribute to and support multi‑agency planning and coordination, including Inclusion Support Meetings and wider partnership forums.
• Help prevent escalation into exclusion or Alternative Provision by identifying needs early and supporting targeted interventions.
• Contribute to re‑engagement strategies for children experiencing EBSA, poor attendance, or wider disengagement.
• Promote a relationship‑based, child‑centred approach, ensuring children and families feel heard and supported.
• Support schools to strengthen inclusive practice through the graduated response and ordinarily available provision.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with children and young people in complex situations, particularly those at risk of exclusion, poor attendance or disengagement.
• Understands the importance of education as a safeguarding priority and is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
• Has knowledge of SEND, behaviour, attendance and emotional wellbeing and how these impact engagement in education.
• Can work effectively with schools, families and professionals, building strong relationships and facilitating collaboration.
• Demonstrates strong communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.
• Is confident working in a multi‑agency environment, contributing to shared planning and decision‑making.
• Brings a proactive, solution‑focused approach, with a commitment to inclusion and belonging.

About the IncludED Service:

• Feel a sense of belonging in education.
• Are supported early to prevent escalation.
• Have access to the right support at the right time.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking and evolving service.
• A strong focus on professional development and collaboration.
• The chance to make a real difference to children’s lives and outcomes.
• Supportive team culture and opportunities to influence system change.

Enhanced DBS check is required. The role is primarily office‑based with some flexibility for hybrid working depending on service needs.

Why Bristol City Council? We offer a work environment that is fast‑moving and supportive, with flexibility to work from home or the office, a generous annual leave allowance, a pension scheme and a chance to contribute to Bristol’s future. Bristol City Council values diversity and inclusivity. We are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and appointments will be made on merit. We are a Disability Confident employer, meaning we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Qualified disabled applicants meet the essential criteria and will be guaranteed an interview. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the interview process and supported thereafter.