At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate EHC needs assessments and manage caseloads to support children with SEND.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council's dedicated Special Educational Needs Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND and strong understanding of relevant legislation required.
- Other info: Innovative culture that encourages collaboration and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re now seeking a SEN Case Officer to join our friendly and committed Special Educational Needs Team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
Responsibilities:- Coordinating EHC needs assessments and managing a designated caseload, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
- Drafting clear, outcome-focused and legally compliant EHC Plans.
- Working collaboratively with families, educational settings, social care, health professionals and other partners.
- Leading and chairing EHC production meetings using person-centered approaches.
- Ensuring effective multiagency working, including facilitating meetings and obtaining professional reports.
- Representing the SEN Team at panels, reviews and multi-agency meetings.
- Identifying suitable school or college placements and contributing to home-to-school transport decisions.
- Maintaining accurate electronic records and preparing reports for panels, tribunals and internal processes.
- Supporting safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory guidance.
We’re looking for someone who is motivated, organised and committed to making a difference.
Qualifications:- Experience within SEND across education, social care or health.
- Strong understanding of SEN legislation including the Children and Families Act and the SEN Code of Practice.
- Knowledge of a range of SEND needs and related multiagency roles.
- Experience working directly with parents, families and professionals.
- Confidence in leading meetings, handling challenging situations and managing negotiations.
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Closing Date: Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 9th February 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed
SEN Case Officer in England employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Case Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEN field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SEN legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've made a difference in previous roles and how you can bring that passion to Reading Borough Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples of how you've worked with families, educational settings, and other professionals. This will demonstrate that you're a team player who aligns with our values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our friendly and committed team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Case Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people with SEND shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Be Clear and Concise: Draft your application in a clear and straightforward manner. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when discussing your experience with EHC Plans and multi-agency collaboration.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SEN Case Officer. Highlight your understanding of SEN legislation and your experience working with families and professionals in the field. We love seeing how you connect your skills to our needs!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your SEN Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children and Families Act and the SEN Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a SEN Case Officer.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Prepare examples of how you've worked with families, educational settings, and other professionals in the past. Highlighting your experience in multi-agency collaboration will demonstrate that you can effectively coordinate and lead meetings, which is key for this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing challenging conversations or drafting EHC Plans. Think through some scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills and person-centred approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that fuel your passion for supporting children and young people with SEND. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely committed to the role.