Temporary SEND Operations Assistant
Colchester, Essex (Hybrid: Office-based minimum 1–2 days per week)
Employer: Apex Education Services Ltd (Trading as Apex Staffing)
Temporary – 6 months, Full-time
Pay Rate: £14.15 PAYE / £18.59 Umbrella (This role falls inside IR35, so PSC/Ltd options are not available.)
Closing Date for Applications: 2nd September 2025
About the Role
Apex Staffing is recruiting a Temporary SEND Operations Assistant on behalf of Essex County Council (ECC). The successful applicant will be employed directly by Apex Education Services Ltd (T/A Apex Staffing) and placed on assignment within ECC's SEND Operations Team.
This role is central to supporting statutory SEND processes, including the Annual Review process, issuing EHCPs, liaising with schools, and acting as the first point of contact for families and professionals.
The position requires strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders including parents, schools, health professionals, and local authority teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Receive, log and coordinate Section 23 and 24 notifications from Health colleagues.
* Support the preparation and coordination of Annual Reviews and EHCP processes.
* Provide triage of incoming contacts, acting as the first point of contact for parents/carers, young people, schools, and partner agencies.
* Send formal consultations to schools/settings and coordinate responses.
* Maintain tracking systems for students at phase transfer points to ensure statutory deadlines are met.
* Record and manage data accurately to support statutory reporting requirements.
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with statutory SEND processes.
About You
To be successful in this role, you should have:
Minimum RQF Level 2 qualification.
Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
Experience of working with children and young people with SEND.
Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
Essential Requirements
* Right to work in the UK (we are unable to offer visa sponsorship).
* Valid Enhanced DBS (or registered on the DBS Update Service).
* Availability to attend the Colchester office at least one day per week (Tuesday), ideally two days per week (Tuesday & Wednesday).
Contract Details
* Contract type: Temporary (6 months, with potential for extension)
* Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
* Location: Colchester, Essex (with travel across ECC quadrant areas as required: North, South, West, and Mid Essex)
* Working style: Hybrid (minimum 1–2 office days per week, remainder remote)
* Pay:
* £14.15 per hour PAYE (through Apex Staffing payroll)
* £18.59 per hour Umbrella (through an approved umbrella company)
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted directly to Apex Staffing. Please include:
* Your up-to-date CV
* A short cover statement outlining your SEND experience and suitability for this role
Apply today via Indeed or send your application directly to: and
About Apex Staffing
Apex Education Services Ltd (T/A Apex Staffing) is a specialist staffing agency committed to providing highly skilled professionals across the education and SEND sectors. We are proud to support local authorities and schools in improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.
Important Notice
This role is being advertised and managed by Apex Staffing. Applications must be submitted through Apex Staffing, not directly to Essex County Council.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: £14.15 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 35 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Colchester CO3 3WG
Application deadline: 01/09/2025
Reference ID: AS/req20305