At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning for school places and ensure compliance with education legislation.
- Company: Hackney Council, a dynamic and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, flexible working options, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team focused on improving life chances for all children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and support diverse communities in Hackney.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in IT software, data analysis skills, and knowledge of education legislation.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there; we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
Hackney Education provides a range of services to support the education of children, young people and adults in our inner London borough. Hackney is one of the UK's highest performing local authorities, serving one of London’s best places to live and work. Within our diverse borough, we serve a wide range of children and young people. We have a particular focus on supporting less advantaged families: Hackney figures in the 10% most deprived boroughs in England on a number of measures.
Hackney Education's key priority is to improve the life chances of every child, young person and learner: making Hackney the most forward-looking education system in the UK, where schools, settings and partners provide an exciting environment which ensures inclusion and success for everyone. We see our borough as being one of the best places in the country for young people to grow, learn, develop and achieve – and one of the best places for colleagues to work and thrive in our education system.
The School Organisation and Place Planning Team is crucial to Hackney’s overarching education strategy. This strategy aims to provide high-quality education for every child by developing an agile and sustainable school system. This system will build on existing collaborative models while addressing challenges such as fluctuating pupil numbers, limited resources, and the growing needs of children requiring significant support.
The successful applicant will support the Provision planning lead to ensure the sufficiency and compliance of our school system. The role requires advanced proficiency in IT software and databases to effectively input, extract, and analyse large, complex datasets, which is foundational to the team’s work. This analytical skill will be used to interpret demographic data and forecast future school place demand for both mainstream and specialist provision.
The postholder is expected to accurately interpret and remain abreast of all current school organisation legislation and statutory guidance to ensure full compliance when contributing to the commissioning and establishment of new alternative and specialist SEND education provision.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's.
Closing date for applications: 11 August 2026 (22.59) Interview date: TBC
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
School Place Planning Officer, SEND & Inclusion employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the development of future leaders in local government. As a Management Trainee apprentice, you will benefit from a structured programme that combines hands-on experience across various departments with formal training, all while being part of a progressive council dedicated to equity and community engagement. With competitive salaries, comprehensive support, and a commitment to employee growth, Hackney Council stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Place Planning Officer, SEND & Inclusion
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Hackney Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Hackney Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace School Place Planning Officer, SEND & Inclusion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Hackney Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hackney Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Hackney Borough Council.
