At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and their families through assessments and planning.
- Company: Islington Council, dedicated to inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Up to 36 days leave, flexible hours, competitive pay, and local discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others; experience in SEND is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Special Educational Needs (SEND) Keyworker in Pupil Services. As a key part of the 0-25 SEND structure for Islington, you will support children and young people with an educational need and/or disability (SEND) who are applying for or have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and their families. The post is within the secondary team.
Main Duties
- Act as Keyworker for children with special educational needs and their families, maintaining regular and consistent contact.
- Coordinate the EHC needs assessment processes and annual reviews for children and young people with complex needs, ensuring compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
- Serve as the coproduction lead for Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, securing provision in line with statutory timeframes.
- Write and amend EHC plans for children and young people with SEND.
- Act as a single point of information for education options and signpost families toward further support.
- Involve in the Phase Transfer process for Year 6 into Year 7 young people with EHCPs.
- Support children and families through assessment and planning processes, empowering them to make informed decisions about school placements.
- Work in partnership with mainstream and specialist schools and partner agencies to ensure appropriate provision for learning and development.
- Liaise with Education, Health, Social Care, and voluntary sector agencies.
- Coordinate and lead Team‑Around‑the‑Child/Family meetings, organising and facilitating multi‑agency collaboration.
- Participate in DfE’s national SEND and AP reforms change programme to test and refine reforms.
Desired Qualities and Experience
- Prior experience in an education or care environment is not mandatory, but exceptional verbal and written communication skills, proactive and resilient attitude, and a passion for making a difference to families are essential.
- Experience of working with professionals, agencies, and families in a SEND context is desirable.
Benefits
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
- Flexible working arrangements and a 35‑hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membership.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, and health and beauty services.
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: Sunday 12th July 2026 at 23:59
- Interview date: Week commencing Monday 20th July 2026
The interview will consist of:
- Unseen task or presentation.
- Panel interview questions.
- Questions from the candidate.
Additional Information
- The position is subject to a basic DBS check, qualification check and 3/5 years referencing.
- The post requires disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
EEO Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act. We promote a culture of respect and equal opportunity for all applicants.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers share this commitment.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria and provides reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and throughout the career.
SEN Keyworker (Case Manager) employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families with special educational needs. With generous benefits such as up to 36 days of leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. The council's dedication to safeguarding and promoting welfare, alongside its focus on equity and respect, makes it a rewarding place to work in the heart of Islington.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Keyworker (Case Manager)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Islington Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Islington Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Islington Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Islington Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Keyworker (Case Manager)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Islington Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Islington Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
