At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate SEND placements and ensure effective support for children and young people.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £53,713, generous holiday, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on positive outcomes and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN, strong knowledge of SEND legislation, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 53713 - 53713 £ per year.
At Surrey County Council, we're committed to providing excellent support for children and young people with SEND. Our SEND services work together to deliver timely, effective support that leads to positive outcomes. We focus on building strong, respectful relationships with families, schools, and partner organisations, with relational and restorative working practices underpinning all our work. Our young people want adults who listen, explain things honestly, and keep them at the centre of every decision. Parents and carers value empathy, strong organisational skills, and a deep understanding of SEND legislation and diverse needs. Schools need consistent, accessible professionals who are experts in SEND and can guide them through the system with clarity and confidence.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a countywide overview of placement demand, capacity and risk.
- Lead consultation processes.
- Provide assurance to senior leaders and act as a key escalation point for complex cases.
- Use relational, solution‑focused engagement with schools and settings, and work closely with Commissioning and Finance to support effective decision‑making, manage risk and secure sustainable placements and successful transitions.
Qualifications
- Teaching qualification, degree or substantial experience in SEN.
- Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (0‑25).
- Comprehensive understanding of consultation duties, placement decision‑making and legal compliance in SEND.
- Knowledge of SEND placement sufficiency and the education landscape across mainstream, specialist and alternative provision.
- Proven experience at senior manager level in SEND, education or a Local Authority context.
- Experience of contributing to multi‑agency planning or decision‑making forums.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to manage large amounts of data accurately.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and partnership‑building skills.
- An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity.
Benefits
- Starting salary of £53,713 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week.
- 26 days holiday, rising to 28 after 2 years and 31 after 5 years, with the option to buy up to 10 additional days.
- Generous local government salary‑related pension.
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year.
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave.
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
- Learning and development hub with access to a wealth of resources.
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping.
- Chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
SEND Placements Coordinator employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Placements Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND field through LinkedIn or local events. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Surrey County Council's SEND services. Understand their values and how they support children and families. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested and a great fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Placements Coordinator, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨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 SEND Placements Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the SEND Placements Coordinator role. We want to see how your background fits with our commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of SEND legislation and the education landscape in your application. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these complexities, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves building relationships with families, schools, and partner organisations, make sure to emphasise your communication and negotiation skills. We value clarity and empathy, so let us know how you’ve used these in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it, ensuring you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (0-25). Being able to discuss these in detail will show your deep understanding of the legal framework that underpins the role.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build strong, respectful relationships with families, schools, and partner organisations. Use specific instances where your relational and restorative practices made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you've managed large amounts of data in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have helped in decision-making processes, especially in complex cases.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to placement demand and risk management. Think through your approach to problem-solving and how you would engage with schools and settings to find solutions.