At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower families by navigating the education system and advocating for children's rights.
- Company: Award-winning SEND advocacy service dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, remote work, and essential equipment provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working flexibly and collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND law or education, strong communication skills, and empathy.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (with occasional travel to Ashford, Kent)
About Us
We are a professional, passionate, award-winning independent SEND advocacy service committed to empowering parents, carers and professionals with advice firmly grounded in the legal framework. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every child receives the education they are entitled to - one that is appropriate, inclusive and fully supportive of their individual needs. We provide bespoke advocacy services, guidance and support throughout the whole EHCP process, including SEN Support, EHC needs assessment requests, mediation, appeals and Tribunal representation. We stand beside families to help them navigate the education system with confidence and clarity.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable SEND Advocate / Legal Adviser from an education or legal background who can hit the ground running and confidently manage a busy caseload with professionalism and compassion. This is a remote role, offering flexibility and autonomy, with occasional travel to Kent required for meetings, workshops or team collaboration.
This role would suit professionals such as:
- SEND professionals
- SENCOs
- Specialist teachers
- Education consultants
- Solicitors or paralegals/legal executives
- Individuals with significant SEND legal advocacy experience
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a high-volume caseload
- Delivering advice calls to parents and carers
- Attending meetings with Local Authorities and schools
- Drafting parental EHC needs assessment requests
- Negotiating with Local Authorities and attending mediation
- Preparing and attending Annual Reviews
- Conducting thorough EHCP checks
- Writing compelling Grounds of Appeal (with reference to relevant case law and legal tests)
- Representing parents at Tribunal hearings
- Drafting Pre-Action Protocol letters
- Hosting webinars and delivering training sessions
- Recording short educational reels for social media
- Preparing EOTIS packages
The Ideal Candidate
- You will be confident, articulate and deeply knowledgeable in SEND law, with the ability to combine legal precision with empathetic client care.
- Background in education or law
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Highly articulate (written and verbal communication)
- Thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act
- Proven experience writing EHC needs assessment requests
- Experience drafting Grounds of Appeal across a variety of appeal types
- Strong understanding of relevant legal tests and case law
- Experience attending and advocating for families in meetings
- Experience hosting training and webinars
- Comprehensive understanding of the appeals process
- Strong knowledge of Annual Review processes and legal framework
What We Offer
- Competitive remuneration (dependent on experience)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Laptop, phone and all necessary equipment
- Discount on our own services
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV to: managingdirector@thesendconsultancygroup.co.uk. To secure an interview, you must clearly evidence how you meet the essential criteria above within your CV. Suitable candidates will then be invited to complete an application form prior to progressing to interview.
If you are passionate about securing lawful, appropriate education for children and want to be part of a values-driven, impactful organisation we would love to hear from you.
Professional SEND Advocate in Ashford employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional SEND Advocate in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND field through LinkedIn or local meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND advocacy. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your work, including successful cases or presentations you've delivered. This will help us see your skills in action and set you apart from other candidates.
✨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 Professional SEND Advocate in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a SEND Advocate. Highlight your relevant experience in education or law, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of SEND law and the appeals process. We want to see how you meet the essential criteria!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to emphasise your communication skills, both written and verbal. Since this role involves a lot of advocacy and client interaction, we need to see that you can articulate complex legal concepts clearly and compassionately.
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a busy caseload and advocate effectively for families. We love seeing real-life scenarios where you've made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our values-driven team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your SEND Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about advocating for children’s rights.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your experience in dealing with families and how you’ve supported them through challenging situations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to combine legal knowledge with compassionate client care.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific cases or challenges. Think about your past experiences and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes. This will help the interviewers see your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of empowering families in the education system.