At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and champion inclusive practices in early years settings.
- Company: Slough Borough Council, dedicated to making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives and promote inclusion in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36508 - 40958 £ per year.
Pay Level: 6, £36,508 - £40,958 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
DBS requirement: Enhanced
The closing date for applications is midnight on 20th August 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 26th August 2026.
What You’ll Be Doing
Are you passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their additional needs? We are seeking 2 (two) experienced and highly skilled Early Years & School Age SEND & Inclusion Practitioners to play a key role in improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Slough, with a particular focus on children in the early years and those accessing school-age childcare, wraparound and holiday provision.
This specialist role will provide expert advice, consultation, coaching and practice leadership to early years providers, SENCOs, schools, families and multi-agency partners. You will support the early identification of SEND, champion inclusive and nurture-informed practice, and help ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
Working across a range of settings, you will lead on embedding high-quality SEND provision, support practitioners to implement effective interventions, deliver specialist direct work with children and families, and contribute to workforce development through training and professional learning opportunities. You will also play a vital role in strengthening partnership working, supporting diagnostic pathways, and ensuring successful transitions for children with additional needs.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced SEND practitioner who is passionate about inclusion, early intervention and making a lasting difference for children and families.
Our Council
Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.
What We Offer
- We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard.
- You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.
- We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance.
- We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Alongside a Competitive Salary, We Provide:
- 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
- The Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
- Tax-free childcare and childcare services.
- Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.
Accessibility and Support:
Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: Recruitment@slough.gov.uk. Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond. Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.
Right To Work And Checks:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
SEND Practitioner - Early Years and School Age in Slough employer: Slough Borough Council
Slough Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents while enjoying a fulfilling career. Join us in our mission to enhance community wellbeing and quality of life through innovative and evidence-led commissioning strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Practitioner - Early Years and School Age in Slough
✨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 Slough Borough 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 Slough Borough 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 Slough Borough 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 Slough Borough 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 SEND Practitioner - Early Years and School Age in Slough
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 Slough Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Slough Borough 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 Slough Borough 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.
