Education Participation Advisory Service (EPAS) - Lead Band G - £52,805 - £59,476 per annum Solihull’s Education Inclusion team was renamed to Education Participation Advisory Service (EPAS) to reflect the work of the service. We have an exciting opportunity for an EPAS Lead to join the service and manage a team of EPAS Senior Officers. This post will be specifically working with children within the youth justice system, supporting mainstream schools to meet the needs of children with an EHCP whilst they are waiting for a specialist placement, supporting parents understanding of the EHCP process, schools implementation of the graduated approach and expectations of SEND support through Way Forward Meetings. As a whole team the Education Participation Advisory Service is committed to ensuring that all children and young people in Solihull have access to inclusive and appropriate education so they can achieve positive outcomes - enabling them to lead successful adult lives. The Service provides advice, guidance and support for children and their families where accessing appropriate education is challenging. The EPAS team is responsible for a number of areas including Children Missing Education, Elective Home Education, Permanent Exclusions, suspension and permanent exclusion prevention guidance, attendance support, the legal aspects of attendance/absence and the issuing of child chaperone badges, work permits and entertainment licenses. The Service also tracks children between provisions. As an EPAS Lead you will: Represent education services as the strategic lead on the Youth Justice Board. Design and shape the operational delivery model of support within the Youth Justice Service. Champion children’s rights to appropriate education and co-ordinate input from a range of professionals to facilitate this. Support mainstream schools to meet the needs of children with an EHCP whilst they are waiting for a specialist placement. Support parents understanding and schools implementation of the SEND graduated approach and expectations of SEND support through Way Forward Meetings. Support education professionals undertaking the lead professional role to build knowledge, capacity and confidence. Monitor outcomes for children who are more likely to be vulnerable and use to target support and intervention in education settings effectively. You will have: A Degree level qualification (or equivalent) or have the ability to demonstrate through relevant experience an equivalent level of knowledge. Qualified Teacher Status or a relevant qualification in Social Care – social worker/ health/ SEND. In depth knowledge and practical interpretation of education legislation, current local developments and strategic priorities. Experience of effectively managing people. Experience of working with children, young people and their families. Experience of multi-agency working and working across organisational boundaries; including chairing of multi-agency meetings. This role is based in our collaborative open plan office space with options of working from home some of the time. The office base is the Council House, in central Solihull, within walking distance of our shops and local amenities. Closing date: 20 July 2025 Interviews will take place on week commencing 4 August 2025. As part of the selection process for this post, shortlisted candidates will be required to complete psychometric testing. For more information and to discuss this opportunity please contact: Jameel Mullan – EPAS – Head of Service – jameel.mullan@solihull.gov.uk or Mark Willett – EPAS Lead – mark.willett@solihull.gov.uk This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively. Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Attached documents Job Description & Person Specification