At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs and coordinate their education plans.
- Company: Islington Council, committed to inclusivity and making a difference.
- Benefits: Up to 36 days leave, flexible hours, and competitive pay.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and help families navigate education.
- Qualifications: Experience in special educational needs and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full‑time, 1‑year fixed‑term Senior Special Educational Needs (SEND) Keyworker (Case Officer) in Pupil Services. The role supports children and young people aged 0‑25 years with SEND who are applying for or have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and their families. The Senior SEND Keyworker will work as a key part of the 0‑25 SEND structure for Islington, ensuring that children and young people receive the right provision and move successfully through education to adulthood.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the Council delivers its responsibilities to support the identification and assessment of young people who have special educational needs or disabilities within the statutory SEND framework.
- Coordinate EHC needs assessment processes for children and young people with complex needs and their annual reviews.
- Take responsibility for the co‑production of Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and their annual reviews, securing provision in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Opportunity to manage a small team of key workers to ensure young people with complex needs have suitable plans.
- Ensure the authority complies with the SEND Code of Practice, adhering to all statutory time frames and processes for new assessments and annual reviews of EHC plans.
- Allocate and prioritise workload.
- Conduct check‑ins and supervision sessions to maintain a high standard of work quality.
- Record case work accurately on relevant casework systems.
- Co‑ordinate key‑stage transfer processes for young people with EHCPs.
- Investigate and write stage 1 complaints and investigate stage 2 complaints.
- Provide support for Elective Home Education and Education other than in School cases.
- Deliver expert professional advice to colleagues, settings, young people and families on issues related to meeting young people’s needs.
- Take responsibility for selected mediation cases.
- Participate in tribunal cases, liaising with families, representatives and producing working documents.
Qualifications
- Prior experience in this area is mandatory.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Resilience and a genuine desire to make a difference to families.
- Priority will be given to candidates at risk of redundancy within Islington Council who meet the essential criteria for shortlisting.
- Candidate must be able to meet the requirements of the Disability Confident Scheme where applicable.
Benefits
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
- Flexible working arrangements, including a 35‑hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to pay all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle‑to‑Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more.
Equal Opportunity
Islington Council is an equal opportunities employer. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and maintaining a zero‑tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation. We ensure that all colleagues, both staff and volunteers, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a truly inclusive workplace.
Special Educational Needs Keyworker 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 young people 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 equality and community engagement makes it a rewarding place to work, particularly for those looking to contribute meaningfully to local education services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Educational Needs Keyworker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to EHC needs assessments and annual reviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting children and families with special educational needs.
✨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 Special Educational Needs Keyworker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that directly relate to the role of a Senior SEND Keyworker. We want to see how your background fits with supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional verbal and written communication skills are a must, use your application to demonstrate these. We recommend being clear and concise while also showing your passion for making a difference in families' lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any prior experience you have in the SEND field. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us directly and you won’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your SEND Framework
Familiarise yourself with the statutory SEND framework and the Children and Families Act 2014. Understanding these regulations will help you articulate how you can ensure compliance and support for children and young people with special educational needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior SEND Keyworker, exceptional verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with families, colleagues, and other stakeholders in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver expert advice and support.
✨Highlight Your Resilience
Working with children and families with complex needs can be challenging. Be ready to share specific instances where you've shown resilience and a genuine desire to make a difference. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Since you'll have the opportunity to manage a small team, think about your leadership style and how you would conduct check-ins and supervision sessions. Prepare to discuss how you would maintain high standards of work quality and allocate workloads effectively.
