About this role
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Team: </strong>SEND - EHC Team</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Job Family: </strong>Providing - CBG8 </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Salary: </strong>£31,022 - £33,851 per annum pro rata</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Hours:</strong><strong> </strong>37 hours per week - 4 posts available <strong>(Please note the part time role is no longer available)</strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Location: </strong>You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Contract Type: </strong>Hybrid - Permanent</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Closing Date:</strong> 8th July 2026<br><strong>Interview Date:</strong><strong style="font-weight:400.0"> </strong>26th July 2026</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>About the Role</strong></span></p> <div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking SEND Officers to join the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Team within the Children and Families Directorate. The successful candidate will have proven experience working within the SEND Code of Practice, a sound understanding of SEND legislation and procedures, and experience working directly with children and young people with SEND. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">SEND Officers are a key part of a supportive and established team, playing a central role in ensuring effective service delivery. In this role, you will manage caseloads, including annual reviews and amendments, while working closely with Senior SEND Officers to ensure strong oversight and high-quality practice. This position also offers valuable opportunities for career progression and access to accredited training to support ongoing professional development. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Main Duties </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Management of the monitoring and review of existing EHCPs, including amending and issuing EHCPs following a review and attending review meetings in complex cases.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Oversight of the phase transfer process for pupils commencing the next stage of education.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ensuring accurate data and record keeping.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Providing advice to schools, parents and professionals regarding statutory processes.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Consulting with schools and supporting school admissions for pupils with an EHCP.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Attending meetings and Local Authority Panels as required.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Supporting and attending events and training regarding statutory processes for professionals and parents.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Representing the SEND team as part of the wider Children’s Services Team.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong> </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>As a SEND Officer You Will: </strong></span></p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Have strong interpersonal skills.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Maintain positive relationships with colleagues, families and professionals.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Have strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work to meet legal deadlines.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Be a problem solver.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Be able to make fair informed decisions from evidence-based assessments.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Be a Champion of SEND.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Essential Requirements </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Please note that before applying, it is essential that you have: </span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A strong background and good knowledge of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A clear understanding of relevant legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and the Children and Families Act 2014.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A working knowledge of the annual review process.</span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">These are fundamental requirements for the role. Please ensure this information is clearly demonstrated in your application. </span></p> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>About the EHC Team </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The EHC Team is an exciting, fast-paced and vibrant team. It’s a great time to join us – we pride ourselves on being a highly performing workforce which embraces a continual learning and developing culture. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The successful applicant will have sound proven knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and SEND legislation and procedures, as well as a good understanding of the statutory EHC Needs process, including writing, reviewing and amending Education, Health and Care Plans in accordance with statutory guidance. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Candidates will be expected to work in close collaboration with children, young people and their families, schools and setting staff, and other professionals in education, health and social care. Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. You will have a commitment to ensuring children and young people achieve positive outcomes in line with their aspirations and are supported to move successfully into adulthood. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The EHC Team is responsible for carrying out statutory duties and processes linked to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with SEND aged 0–25. The team works with children, young people, parents and professionals to co-produce education, health and care plans and agree provision and educational placement. </span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Our Offer </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our <a href="https://jobs.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/content/Our-rewards-and-benefits/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rewards and Benefits page</a> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this <a title="" href="https://centralbedfordshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Communications/IgBZYpLUAKSPQZapVvxlyiEeAewAeDPWYsCCYpHU3_qm9wg?e=5o39SX" target="_self">Recruitment Pack</a>. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Our <a href="https://centralbedfordshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Communications/EuejD31meJ9GiiHyMPHL6V4BUJcaSc16Y3dGD4m8GxPfYA?e=Dg6Cg2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance</a> are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack. </span></p> </div> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"><span style="background-color:white;color:black;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong><span style="background-color:white">For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: </span></strong><span style="background-color:white">Linda Orr, Head of the EHC Team at<strong> </strong>[email protected].</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:medium;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;color:#000000;font-style:normal;font-weight:400.0;text-align:start"> </p> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Safeguarding: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Our National Careers Service team offer a free monthly workshop covering CV writing and how to complete the statement sections of the Central Bedfordshire Council online application form. This MS Teams workshop is open to anyone from the UK and lasts around 1.5 hours. <a href="https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/xfp/form/667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Please book your place here.</a> </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">More information about this service can be found here: <a href="https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/207/support_getting_into_work_or_learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Support getting into work or learning | Central Bedfordshire Council</a> </span></p> </div>