Location: Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, United Kingdom
Employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Salary: £35,941 – £40,219 inclusive of London Weighting
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Flexible Hours)
DBS Check: Enhanced
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 1st June 2025, 23:59
Join Bracknell Forest Council as a SEND Officer – Make a Real Difference
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Bracknell Forest Council invites applications for an exciting SEND Officer role within its committed SEND team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive, well-managed local authority that values flexibility, career growth, and a healthy work-life balance.
As a SEND Officer, you will play a crucial role in helping families and professionals navigate the statutory SEND framework while championing positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Why Work at Bracknell Forest Council?
At Bracknell Forest Council, we value stability, support, and employee well-being. Our workplace culture promotes flexibility, including options for remote work and flexible scheduling, tailored to meet both service needs and personal life demands. We understand that thriving employees deliver outstanding results for our community.
Key Benefits:
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Competitive salary inclusive of London weighting
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Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
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Generous annual leave starting at 28 days, rising to 33 with service
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Local Government Pension Scheme
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Enhanced family leave policies
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Career development through extensive training and internal progression
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Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
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Access to discounted gym, leisure, and staff social events
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Life insurance linked to pension scheme
About the SEND Officer Role – Key Responsibilities
As a SEND Officer at Bracknell Forest Council, your primary focus will be managing and supporting the statutory SEND processes and delivering high-quality support to children, young people, and their families.
Core Duties Include:
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Managing EHC Needs Assessments: Oversee and coordinate Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments and the subsequent placement processes to meet statutory deadlines.
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Statutory Compliance: Ensure all SEND assessments, reviews, and plans comply with current legislation and council policies.
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Developing Individualized EHCPs: Work with families, schools, and health professionals to draft clear, accurate Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that truly reflect the child’s assessed needs.
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Annual Reviews and Amendments: Facilitate timely annual reviews of EHCPs and make necessary amendments collaboratively with all stakeholders.
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Placement Negotiations: Secure suitable educational placements across Berkshire that best meet the needs of children and young people.
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Advocacy and Mediation: Promote a solution-focused, mediation approach to resolve disagreements and ensure children’s voices are central in decisions.
Who We Are Looking For – Ideal Candidate Profile
To thrive in this role, you should have a strong commitment to SEND and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. The ideal candidate will bring:
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SEND Experience: Direct experience working within SEND services for children, young people, and families.
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Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly, sensitively, and effectively with diverse stakeholders, including families, schools, and multi-agency professionals.
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Strong Organisational Abilities: Capable of managing multiple cases efficiently and meeting tight statutory deadlines without compromising quality.
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Solution-Focused Mindset: Skilled in mediation and conflict resolution to promote positive outcomes.
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Empathy and Passion: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable children and young people and advocating for their rights.
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Professional Background: Experience as a SENCO, teacher, social worker, SEND casework assistant, or therapist is highly desirable, but transferable skills and related experience will also be considered.
Training and Development – Your Career Growth
Bracknell Forest Council values investing in its people. If you bring potential and commitment, we offer comprehensive training and development pathways to enhance your SEND knowledge and professional skills. This support ensures you can grow within the SEND team and deliver outstanding services that make a lasting impact.
About the SEND Team – Collaborative and Supportive Environment
You will join a passionate, creative, and solution-oriented SEND team dedicated to making a difference. Our team values co-production with families and partners, working together to ensure services meet the real needs of children and young people.
We operate in a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement, balancing the challenges of the role with rewarding outcomes and strong peer support.
Key Benefits Summary for SEND Officers at Bracknell Forest Council
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Leave | 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 3 years |
| Flexible Working | Hybrid and flexible hours options |
| Pension Scheme | Local Government Pension Scheme |
| Family-Friendly Policies | Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption leave |
| Career Development | Training, coaching, and progression opportunities |
| Wellbeing Support | Employee Assistance Programme, gym discounts |
| Location | Modern office in Bracknell with excellent transport links |
| Salary Sacrifice Schemes | Electric vehicle salary sacrifice available |
Important Information – Recruitment Process
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Enhanced DBS Check: Required for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Available for eligible candidates requiring UK work sponsorship. Sponsorship depends on eligibility and budget constraints.
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Interview Date: Monday, 9th June 2025 (in-person interview at Bracknell office).
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Application Deadline: 1st June 2025 at 23:59. Early applications encouraged.
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Application Method: Apply online via the official council job portal. CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide reasonable adjustments during recruitment to support candidates with disabilities or additional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What experience do I need to be considered?
Experience working with SEND children, young people, and families within statutory or educational settings is preferred. Candidates with transferable skills from roles such as SENCOs, social workers, or therapy assistants are also encouraged to apply.
Is flexible working available?
Yes, we offer flexible hours and hybrid working options to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
How do I apply for the Certificate of Sponsorship?
If you require sponsorship, your eligibility will be assessed during the application process. Sponsorship availability is limited and granted on a case-by-case basis.
What happens after I apply?
Applications are reviewed regularly. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview on 9th June 2025. Please note AI assistance during interviews is prohibited.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact as a SEND Officer within a supportive, forward-thinking council, submit your application online today.
Apply now via the Bracknell Forest Council job portal.
Contact for Informal Enquiries
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Ayanda Larkin – Senior SEND Officer
Email: ayanda.larkin-harrison@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Phone: 01344 355496 -
Suzi Austin-Brookes – SEND Service Lead
Email: suzi.austin-brookes@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Phone: 01344 351758
Final Thoughts – Why This Role Matters
As a SEND Officer at Bracknell Forest Council, you will be directly involved in shaping the futures of children and young people with additional needs. Your work will empower families, improve education pathways, and contribute to building an inclusive community.
If you’re dedicated to advocacy, collaboration, and delivering statutory SEND services to the highest standard, we want to hear from you.