At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and help them reach their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND processes and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48738 - 49817 £ per year.
Location: Kendal, Barrow or Penrith, location to be agreed with successful candidate
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
The SEND Service is responsible for ensuring that Westmorland and Furness Council meets its statutory responsibilities towards children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, who may require additional provision to be made via the support of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The SEND Service ensures that needs are understood, planned for and met, via accurate analysis and identification, timely assessment and access to appropriate local provision.
We are looking for a Senior SEND Officer who will support the SEND Team Manager to lead the SEND team, overseeing the work of a group of SEND officers. You will work to make a real difference for children, young people and families and have responsibility for:
- Working with the SEND Team Manager to ensure effective, consistent practice is in place and that children and young people’s EHCPs are high-quality and provide effective support
- Supporting the delivery of SEND statutory processes, including EHC Needs support Assessment, Annual Reviews and phase transfers, in line with statutory legislation
- Leading on complex casework, including Tribunals and mediation
- Participating in statutory decision-making and resource allocation Panels, ensuring that timely and appropriate decisions are made
- Working with different stakeholders, including schools and education providers, to ensure appropriate provision is in place for children and support with statutory processes where required
Who we are looking for…
You will be enthusiastic and committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders within the SEND local area in providing for our children and young people’s special educational needs. You will be a member of a directorate which respects and celebrates diversity and works to ensure our children and young people have the right support in place to live fulfilling lives as valued members of their local communities, so that they can reach their potential.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gemma Parkes:
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 26/11/2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Senior SEND Officer - WMF3209e in Barrow in Furness employer: Westmorland & Furness Council
St Martin and St Mary Church of England Primary School offers a supportive and nurturing work environment, where the focus is on fostering both educational excellence and personal growth. With a commitment to the Christian ethos, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values integrity and community involvement, alongside opportunities for professional development in the education sector. Located in the picturesque Windermere, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows for a balanced lifestyle in a beautiful setting.
Contact Details:
Westmorland & Furness Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SEND Officer - WMF3209e in Barrow in Furness
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Westmorland & Furness Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Westmorland & Furness Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Westmorland & Furness Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Westmorland & Furness Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SEND Officer - WMF3209e in Barrow in Furness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Westmorland & Furness Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Westmorland & Furness Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland & Furness Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
