At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion the voice of children with SEND and improve inclusive practices.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to enhancing services for children and young people.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and a passion for inclusion.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 33000 £ per year.
The SEND Service leads the local area’s statutory and improvement work for children and young people (0–25) with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The SEND Inclusion and Quality Officer plays a key role within Children’s Services in ensuring high‑quality, inclusive practice across the SEND system. Your role will include strengthening participation, improving processes, and driving quality across SEND provision. This role offers the chance to make a real difference to improve outcomes for our children and young people with SEND.
Responsibilities
- You will champion the voice of children and young people with SEND by developing engagement models and ensuring their views influence service development and practice.
- You will support inclusion and engagement activity across services and ensure information shared through the SEND Local Offer is accessible, accurate and up to date.
- You will contribute to quality assurance processes, including supporting audits, reviewing EHCP quality, and promoting consistent, high standards across the SEND Service.
- You will also contribute to training, communication, and engagement work, often leading on elements of the SEND Communication & Engagement Strategy.
Qualifications & Requirements
- DBS Check: Basic
Benefits
- 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): 29 January 2026
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 8 February 2026
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact Tina Martin, SEND Team Manager, Quality Assurance & Continuous Professional Development, at tmartin@thurrock.gov.uk.
SEND Inclusion and Quality Officer employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Inclusion and Quality Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the latest trends in SEND practices. We recommend brushing up on engagement models and quality assurance processes, as these will likely come up. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to inclusion and quality assurance. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Inclusion and Quality Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the SEND Inclusion and Quality Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with special educational needs shine through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about inclusion and quality in education.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest policies and practices related to special educational needs and disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the SEND Local Offer and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to improving processes and outcomes for children and young people.
✨Champion the Voice of Young People
Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged with children and young people, especially those with SEND. Think about how you can ensure their voices are heard in service development and be ready to share your ideas on effective engagement models.
✨Quality Assurance is Key
Understand the importance of quality assurance in SEND services. Be prepared to discuss your experience with audits and reviewing EHCP quality, and how you can promote high standards across the SEND system.
✨Show Your Training and Communication Skills
Since you'll be contributing to training and communication strategies, think of specific instances where you've led training sessions or developed communication materials. Highlight your ability to convey complex information in an accessible way, as this will be crucial for the role.