At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate admissions for special educational needs and alternative provisions, ensuring timely placements.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39027 - 44463 £ per year.
The Statutory SEND Service is responsible for ensuring that Thurrock Council meets its legal duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Regulations 2014 in relation to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those requiring Alternative Provision (AP).
As a SEND and Alternative Provisions (AP) Officer, you will be responsible for:
- Coordinating and managing admissions to local authority commissioned inclusion bases, special schools and alternative provision settings, ensuring placements are made promptly and in line with assessed need.
- Acting as a single point of coordination for placement pathways, ensuring clarity, consistency and effective communication with educational settings.
- Ensuring admission decisions align with Education, Health and Care Plans, SEN Support arrangements or agreed alternative provisions pathways.
- Tracking and escalating delays or barriers to placements, working proactively to resolve issues and minimise time out of education.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Experience of working within SEND, inclusion or alternative provision in an education or local authority context.
- A strong understanding of SEND processes, EHCPs and pathways into specialist or alternative provision.
- Proven ability to manage complex cases, prioritise effectively and work to tight timescales.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work constructively with educational settings, families and multi-agency partners.
Essential qualifications:
- Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent
- DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates:
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 7th July 2026
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 24th July 2026
- Interview Date: 30th July 2026
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Andrea Winstone; Head of School Effectiveness & SEND awinstone@thurrock.gov.uk / 07827 823 614
Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provisions Officer in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As a SEND and Alternative Provisions Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, while benefiting from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and ongoing professional development. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, Thurrock Council stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
