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- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs through training and inclusive activities.
- Company: Join Hillingdon Council's SEND Advisory Service and make a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous holidays, mental health support, and discounts on leisure activities.
- Why this job: Empower families and practitioners to help children thrive in their early years.
- Qualifications: Experience in early childhood development and inclusive practices.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Join us as an SEND Advisor Early Years and make a lasting impact on children aged 0–5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by supporting them through a flexible, needs-led approach that puts each child’s development at the heart of early intervention. As a key member of the SEND Advisory Service, you will work directly with the Early Years sector, families, and professionals to ensure that children with SEND are identified early and receive the support they need to thrive. You will work with children across a wide spectrum of SEND, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language difficulties, social-emotional development, global developmental delay, and varied approaches to learning. You will bring your expertise in early childhood development, inclusive practice, and SEND to empower practitioners and parents alike. This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across the Early Years sector, supporting professionals to use tools such as the Progress Check at Age Two, EYFS Profile, WellComm, ASQ, and observational tracking to identify needs early and intervene effectively.
Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality training to Early Years practitioners, building their confidence and capacity to support children with SEND across a range of needs.
- Design and lead inclusive parent–child activity sessions using the EYFS curriculum and evidence-based parenting programmes.
- Support families in understanding their child’s development and behaviour, offering practical strategies and reassurance.
- Promote the use of the My Support Plan as a co-produced, person-centred planning tool across the Early Years sector.
- Collaborate with health, education, and social care partners to ensure coordinated, joined-up support for families.
- Contribute to the development of inclusive environments by modelling strategies, making referrals, and supporting childminders and other providers to meet the needs of children with SEND.
- Facilitate cross-sector collaboration and support seamless transitions between Early Years providers and school settings.
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. We offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Benefits
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Standard 36-hour workweek for full-time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – Increases with length of service for non-casual roles.
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Discounts at council-owned leisure centres and pools.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Options for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing, and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with cycle purchase support; bicycle parking, lockers, and showers available at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – Access to the scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Offers and discounts through Vivup.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling – Free 24-hour confidential support and counselling with additional legal advice services for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Our aim is for our workforce to represent all sections of society and Hillingdon residents, welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds. We strive to ensure a recruitment process free from discrimination and bias and provide reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected and able to contribute meaningfully to our organisation’s success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria and wish to be considered under this scheme. Candidates declaring a disability may opt in for consideration under this scheme on a per-application basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and may require a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Enhanced DBS Check
- Qualifications Check
- 3 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees in the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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SEND Advisor Early Years employer: Hillingdon Council
Contact Detail:
Hillingdon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Advisor Early Years
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Early Years sector, attend local events, and connect with SEND practitioners on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with SEND and early childhood development. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how you would approach supporting children with SEND and collaborating with families and professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we value highly!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Advisor Early Years
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and early childhood development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with SEND shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hillingdon Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities, especially in early years. Familiarise yourself with key terms like autism spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and the tools mentioned in the job description. This will show that you're not just interested but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Since delivering training is a big part of the role, think of examples from your past where you've successfully trained or supported others. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building confidence in Early Years practitioners and what strategies you would use to engage parents in their child's development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving children with SEND. Prepare some scenarios in advance and think through your responses. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to work collaboratively with families and professionals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about your experience working with different stakeholders, such as health, education, and social care partners. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives where you facilitated teamwork and communication to support children and families effectively.
