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- Tasks: Lead and provide expert advice on inclusive education for children with SEND.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team in Hertfordshire's Children Services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and leadership development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while shaping inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND leadership and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in education leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43800 - 50700 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £53,806 progressing to £59,497 pa per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37.0
Location: Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Children Services
About the Team
Our team provides a vital early advice and guidance service for professionals working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We create space for reflective conversations, helping professionals explore creative solutions and access support at the earliest opportunity. Using a strengths‑based approach, we aim to build confidence in those working with children and young people, ensuring that the child and family remain at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
As a Senior SEND Information, Advice and Guidance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Hertfordshire’s approach to inclusive education. You will lead on providing expert advice to education settings, empowering professionals to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND as early and effectively as possible.
This is a highly influential position within our frontline response, requiring strategic thinking and proactive engagement with schools, multi-disciplinary teams, and community networks. You will be the first point of contact for schools seeking guidance, offering professional insight, navigating complex situations, and connecting them with the right resources and services.
Your Work
- Drive improvements in inclusive practice across schools and settings.
- Reduce escalation of needs through early intervention.
- Build confidence and capability among professionals.
- Promote a culture of inclusion and collaboration.
You will be based locally, working in partnership with schools and agencies, and will actively network with health, social care, and community services to ensure holistic support for children and families. We will support you with comprehensive training, reflective practice sessions, and access to a strong professional network to help you succeed in this senior role. This is also an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and strategic thinking, preparing you for future career progression within SEND services or wider education leadership roles.
About You
Essential
- Proven experience in a leadership role involving SEND.
- In-depth knowledge of inclusive strategies, reasonable adjustments, and child development.
- Strong understanding of SEND statutory processes, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
- Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders such as Headteachers and SENCOs.
- Excellent communication skills, demonstrating empathy, curiosity, and solution-focused thinking.
- Proactive and creative approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to build and maintain positive networks across schools, local authorities, health, and social care.
- Confidence in using data and intelligence to shape service development and drive improvement.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- Leadership experience within schools or specialist settings.
- Experience in Special Schools or Specialist Resource Provisions.
- Statutory SEND experience at a leadership level.
Why Join Us?
If you are passionate about making a real difference for children and young people with SEND and want to influence inclusive practice across Hertfordshire, this is an exciting opportunity to lead change. You will be part of a forward-thinking team committed to early intervention and improving outcomes for children and families. Alongside making an impact, you’ll gain valuable leadership experience and transferable skills that will support your future career ambitions.
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving Required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. (For those whose language is a signed language, a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Interview Date
26th and 29th January
Contact
Please contact Sally Glossop for an informal discussion about the role.
SEND Information Advice Guidance Officer in England employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Information Advice Guidance Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common questions, especially around SEND strategies and leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for SEND! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in inclusive education. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Information Advice Guidance Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can make a real difference in inclusive education!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves advising and influencing, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone with proven leadership experience in SEND. Be sure to include specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives that improved outcomes for children and young people.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives related to SEND. Highlight how you’ve influenced change and improved practices in educational settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate with Empathy
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. You’ll need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, so think about how you can convey complex information in a way that’s accessible and supportive to professionals seeking guidance.
✨Network Like a Pro
Be ready to discuss how you’ve built and maintained positive relationships across various stakeholders, including schools, health services, and local authorities. This role requires collaboration, so showcasing your networking abilities will be key.
