At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and professionals in navigating the Early Support Pathway for children with SEND.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Cambridgeshire County Council dedicated to inclusive early years practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible bank holidays, additional leave options, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Access development opportunities and community volunteering during work hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with early years SEND and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint an Early Support Advisor to work in the Early Years SEND team. The Early Years SEND team promotes high quality inclusive practice across the Early Years sector. The team provides a comprehensive SEND offer and supports childcare providers in Cambridgeshire to work with children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities. The Early Years SEND team manage the Early Support pathway which is a multi‑disciplinary approach to meeting the individual needs of children who have a disability or significant and complex additional needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small friendly team, and your role would be to liaise regularly with families and relevant professionals to provide advice and support to professionals when making a referral to Early Support to achieve the best possible outcomes for both children and families in Cambridgeshire. You will provide in‑person advice to families to help them support their child and decide if a referral to the Early Support Pathway is appropriate.
What will you be doing?
- You will provide high quality advice and support around individual children who are on the Early Support Pathway and monitor, track and evaluate the Early Support journey for individual children and their families.
- You will be triaging referrals to the Pathway to ensure all the information required is needed and presenting cases at our Multi Agency Meeting.
About you
The successful candidate will have significant experience, skills and a passion for working with children and their families in the early years with SEND. You will have an understanding of the Early Years Statutory framework and how the SEND Code of Practice relates to early years. You will have excellent interpersonal skills combined with the ability to represent the Service in a positive and professional manner, including communicating with a wide range of internal and external customers. You must have strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to take a hands‑on role and work independently. You will ideally have good working knowledge of Windows.
Early Support Adviser employer: Cambridge County Council
Cambridge County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. With a focus on professional development and a comprehensive wellbeing package, this part-time Social Worker role in the Learning Disability Team provides meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Support Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Early Years SEND sector on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND and early years support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting children with SEND. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨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 Early Support Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Early Support Adviser role. We want to see how your background fits into our mission of supporting children with SEND.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of those with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the Early Years SEND team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Statutory framework and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves liaising with families and professionals, practice how you communicate your ideas clearly and empathetically. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported families or worked in a team.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific challenges related to children with SEND. Prepare some scenarios where you’ve had to think on your feet and come up with effective solutions, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team's Work
Research the Early Years SEND team and their approach to inclusive practice. Understanding their methods and values will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, making you a more appealing candidate.
