At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and education providers for children with SEND in early years settings.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to safeguarding and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while promoting inclusion and support.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare and experience with SEND required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance.
As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
We are looking for an SEND Early Years Support Worker to join the SEND Service on a full time and fixed term contract basis (11 months). As an SEND Early Years Support Worker, you will support families and education providers to implement the advice and recommendations of the Early Years SEND Advisor for families and settings. You will provide advice and support to early years settings, childminders and families on the management and support of children with SEND. You will work collaboratively with families and schools to consider all educational provision suitable for the child, promoting inclusion at all times.
You will play a key role in supporting families and early years education providers to implement the advice and recommendations of the Early Years SEND Advisor. Working collaboratively with families, settings and childminders, you will help ensure that children with SEND receive high-quality early provision that is inclusive, responsive and built on high expectations. You will support early years providers to create inclusive learning environments, enabling children to access education fully and removing barriers to learning wherever they arise. Through partnership working, you will provide guidance, advice and practical support to strengthen SEND practice across settings.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have sound knowledge and understanding of the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 and Education Health and Care Plans, Children and Families Act 2014 and Equality Act 2010. Previous experience of liaising effectively and professionally with families, education staff and partner agencies both in writing and verbally is highly essential. You need to be proficient in various IT packages, be well organised and be able to prioritise and meet deadlines. To be considered for this role, you must have experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and a Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare/Health/Social Care or equivalent. Your application will not be considered if you do not have at least GCSE Grade 4/C in English and Maths or equivalent and this must be evidenced with a certificate. Your application will not be considered if you do not have a full driving Licence.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above. This will be dependent on the volume of applications received. Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103897 - 130540- SEND Early Years Support Worker in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong focus on community impact and collaboration. Employees benefit from flexible working practices, extensive training and development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance. With a diverse range of services and exciting regeneration projects, this role as an SEND Early Years Support Worker provides a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Southend.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103897 - 130540- SEND Early Years Support Worker in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and SEND sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who work at Southend on Sea City Council or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with families and education staff, being clear and confident is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southend on Sea City Council. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103897 - 130540- SEND Early Years Support Worker in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SEND Early Years Support Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and showcase any qualifications that match the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with families and education providers. We want to see how you can support inclusive learning environments and promote high expectations for all children.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for specific examples of your experience, so don’t be shy about sharing those!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the benefits of working with Southend on Sea City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND code of practice and relevant legislation like the Children and Families Act 2014. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about supporting children with special educational needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported children with SEND. Highlight how you collaborated with families and education providers, as this role is all about teamwork and communication.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations involving children with SEND. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to explain your thought process and actions clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires good organisation and prioritisation, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and tasks. You might want to share tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when working with multiple families and settings.
