Education Access Officer in Suffolk

Suffolk County Council Address: Countywide in Suffolk, Hybrid work

Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata)

Hours: 29.6 hours per week, Flexible working options available

Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for up to 12 months

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we're driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That's why, when you join us as an Education Access Officer, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Your role and responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established team as an Education Access Officer, working across Suffolk to strengthen our system wide response to children and young people who are at risk of, or already experiencing, reduced access to education. Within this role, you will:

• Promote inclusive practice across the education system and partner organisations.
• Identify barriers to education and ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
• Work in a solution focused way with children, young people and families at the centre.
• Challenge and support education providers to meet individual needs and improve outcomes.
• Support children and young people through their education pathway and/or SEND journey.
• Contribute to the Local Authority response for children at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded.
• Build strong working relationships with professionals, parents/carers and Local Authority colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear reports for a range of audiences.

What you will need

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience of working within an education setting (or equivalent), with evidence of inclusive practice that delivers positive outcomes.
• Proven experience of working successfully with children, young people and families.
• A strong commitment to social inclusion, equality and diversity.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
• To be resilient, self motivated, creative and flexible.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Education Access Team works collaboratively with internal services and external partners to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. We support those who, for a range of reasons, are out of education and therefore at risk of non participation, disengagement and under achievement. The Education Access Officer is a school facing role that supports children and young people who are unable to access full time education due to permanent exclusion, or who are at risk of exclusion. The role works closely with schools and academies, supporting them to focus on the individual needs of the child or young person and ensure the right support is in place. Where required, we provide direct support and guidance to schools to help prevent permanent exclusions. This includes discussions around alternatives to exclusion, use of the Local Offer, alternative provision, outreach support, and signposting to appropriate services. A multi agency approach is taken when identifying next steps and recommending pathways to support each child or young person’s education journey.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Maria Hough (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by either calling 01473 260394 or emailing maria.hough@suffolk.gov.uk Alternatively, please contact Deb Chandler (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by either calling 01473 260204 or emailing deb.chandler@suffolk.gov.uk.

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
• Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV (Curriculum Vitae), your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 18 May 2026. Interview date: 28 May 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.