At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide impartial advice and support to children with special educational needs and their families.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 32 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with SEND.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of SEND legislation and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30193 - 34104 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an IAS Adviser to join the SEND Information, Advice and Support team! This is a permanent part-time position: 18.5 hours per week, during school term-time only, expected start date 1st September.
Salary: £30,193 - £34,104 per annum (£13,346 - £15,075 per annum pro rata based on 0.44 FTE). This post reports to the IAS Service Manager. The IAS Service is based at the Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead (SL6 7JB).
The Information, Advice and Support (IAS) Service for Windsor and Maidenhead is a statutory service providing free, confidential and impartial guidance and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers.
We are looking to recruit an empathetic person, who is able to give reliable and impartial advice on matters relating to SEND, tailored to the needs of each individual. Working mostly with parents, but also with children and young people with SEND, you will be committed to supporting and empowering individuals to participate confidently in planning and in making important decisions relating to education, health and social care.
Your role will involve:
- Providing relevant, impartial and legally-based information and advice on a wide range of matters relating to SEND.
- Providing individual casework support to progress issues and resolve disputes.
- Working collaboratively with IAS colleagues and others to ensure that the IAS Service provides a range of information, advice and support that is relevant and accessible to local families.
- Planning and facilitating local support and training activities for parents and/or children and young people.
- Working in partnership with education, health and social care providers, as well as local community and voluntary organisations, to promote and support the wider participation of children and young people with SEND and their parents/carers.
What we are looking for:
- A sound knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice 2015 (additional training will be provided).
- Experience providing personalised advice and support.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to respond sensitively in a wide range of situations.
- A collaborative and solution-focussed approach.
- The ability to prioritise a varied workload in a busy, responsive working environment.
- The ability to work as part of a supportive small team, as well as on your own initiative, with a significant degree of personal responsibility.
- Reliable record-keeping and administrative skills.
- Commitment to complete relevant legal training.
Appointment is subject to enhanced DBS check and references.
What we offer:
- 32 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Interview dates: 7th & 8th July 2026.
If you would like to discuss this position informally, please contact Jean Hobson, IAS Service Manager, on 07990 681324 or email jean.hobson@rbwm.gov.uk.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.
IAS Adviser employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Join our SEND Information, Advice and Support team as an IAS Adviser and experience a fulfilling career dedicated to empowering children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Located in the welcoming Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and inclusivity, alongside generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension scheme. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity, we are an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
Contact Details:
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IAS Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the IAS Service inside out! Familiarise yourself with the SEND legislation and the specific needs of children and young people. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with parents and young people, being able to convey information clearly and empathetically is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the SEND field through social media or local events. This can lead to valuable insights and even job leads. Plus, it shows your commitment to the community!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace IAS Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the IAS Adviser role. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of children and young people with SEND.
Showcase Your Empathy:In your written application, let us know about your empathetic approach. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in sensitive situations, as this is key for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and any relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the framework you'll be working within.
✨Empathy is Key
Since the role involves working closely with parents and children, practice demonstrating empathy during your interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided support or advice, and be ready to share how you approached those situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would communicate complex information in a clear and accessible way. You might even want to role-play a scenario where you explain SEND processes to a parent who is unfamiliar with them. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to SEND. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would resolve them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and collaborative approach.
