At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide impartial advice and support to children with special educational needs and their families.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 32 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of SEND legislation and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30193 - 34104 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an IAS Adviser to join the SEND Information, Advice and Support team! This is a permanent part-time position: 18.5 hours per week, during school term-time only. Salary: £30,193 - £34,104 per annum (£13,346 - £15,075 per annum pro rata based on 0.44 FTE). This post reports to the IAS Service Manager. The IAS Service is based at the Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead (SL6 7JB).
The Information, Advice and Support (IAS) Service for Windsor and Maidenhead is a statutory service providing free, confidential and impartial guidance and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers. We are looking to recruit an empathetic person, who is able to give reliable and impartial advice on matters relating to SEND, tailored to the needs of each individual. Working mostly with parents, but also with children and young people with SEND, you will be committed to supporting and empowering individuals to participate confidently in planning and in making important decisions relating to education, health and social care.
Your role will involve:
- Providing relevant, impartial and legally-based information and advice on a wide range of matters relating to SEND.
- Providing individual casework support to progress issues and resolve disputes.
- Working collaboratively with IAS colleagues and others to ensure that the IAS Service provides a range of information, advice and support that is relevant and accessible to local families.
- Planning and facilitating local support and training activities for parents and/or children and young people.
- Working in partnership with education, health and social care providers, as well as local community and voluntary organisations, to promote and support the wider participation of children and young people with SEND and their parents/carers.
What we are looking for:
- A sound knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice 2015 (additional training will be provided).
- Experience providing personalised advice and support.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to respond sensitively in a wide range of situations.
- A collaborative and solution-focussed approach.
- The ability to prioritise a varied workload in a busy, responsive working environment.
- The ability to work as part of a supportive small team, as well as on your own initiative, with a significant degree of personal responsibility.
- Reliable record-keeping and administrative skills.
- Commitment to complete relevant legal training.
Appointment is subject to enhanced DBS check and references.
What we offer:
- 32 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Interview dates: 7th & 8th July 2026. If you would like to discuss this position informally, please contact Jean Hobson, IAS Service Manager, on 07990 681324 or email jean.hobson@rbwm.gov.uk.
IAS Adviser in Thatcham employer: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Join a supportive and inclusive team at the Best Start in Life Family Hub in Maidenhead, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We offer flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive Local Government Pension scheme, all within a collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation. With access to professional development and a commitment to diversity, we are dedicated to empowering our employees to grow and thrive in their roles.
Contact Details:
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IAS Adviser in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the IAS Service inside out! Familiarise yourself with the SEND legislation and the specific needs of the families you'll be supporting. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former IAS Advisers, attend relevant workshops, and engage with local community groups. Building connections can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with parents and children, being able to convey complex information in a clear and empathetic way is key. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do at the IAS Service.
We think you need these skills to ace IAS Adviser in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the IAS Adviser role. We want to see how your background in SEND legislation and personalised support can shine through!
Show Your Empathy:Since this role involves working closely with parents and children, it’s crucial to convey your empathetic nature. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in sensitive situations – we love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points about your qualifications and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and any relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re serious about the role and understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As an IAS Adviser, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided support or advice, especially in sensitive situations. This will help demonstrate your ability to connect with parents and children effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to SEND. Think about how you would handle disputes or provide casework support. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Skills
This role involves working with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Share specific examples that illustrate your ability to work as part of a team while also taking initiative when needed.
