About the role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities?
We are looking for a Senior SEND Advisor to join our SEND Advisory Service (SAS), where you will play a key role in shaping inclusive education across the borough.
As a Senior SEND Advisor, you will support schools and settings to develop inclusive practice and build their capacity to meet the needs of children and young people aged 0‑25 with SEND.
You will work closely with education leaders, SEND professionals and multi‑agency partners to deliver high‑quality advice, training and support, particularly for children with complex needs including autism and communication differences.
Key responsibilities include:
* Supporting schools to identify, assess and meet the needs of children on SEN Support and with EHCPs
* Delivering high‑quality training and guidance to practitioners, parents and professionals
* Leading SEND Reviews and contributing to service development and improvement
* Modelling effective assessment, teaching and intervention strategies
* Providing specialist advice for complex cases, including tribunal and mediation processes where required
* Working collaboratively with education, health and social care partners to ensure joined‑up support
* Supporting inclusive practice across mainstream and specialist settings
* Managing a caseload and producing clear, timely reports and recommendations
* Contributing to the development and implementation of SEND strategies and guidance
About the Service
The SEND Advisory Service provides training, support, guidance and appropriate challenge to schools and educational settings to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.
The service promotes a whole‑school approach alongside individual casework, and supports families through workshops, advice sessions and targeted support. Our focus is to empower practitioners, families and children and young people to achieve the best possible outcomes.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will bring strong SEND expertise and the ability to influence practice across a range of settings.
You will have:
* A strong background in SEND practice, including advisory, training or school‑based leadership experience
* In‑depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education strategies
* Experience working with multi‑agency teams and leading collaborative initiatives
* Excellent communication and analytical skills
* The ability to assess needs, develop action plans and monitor impact
* A commitment to person‑centred practice and partnership working with families and professionals
* Experience using data and insight to inform service improvement
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to take on a senior role where you can influence policy, drive improvement and make a lasting impact on inclusive education. You will be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Benefits
* Flexible Working Hours– We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
* 36 Hour Week– Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
* Generous Holiday Entitlement– increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
* Hillingdon Sports & Leisure– Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes– option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
* Cycle to Work– Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
* Local Government Pension Scheme– access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
* Vivup Benefits– Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
* Mental Health Support and Counselling Services– Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
* Travel Support– Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisations success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:
* Enhanced DBS Check
* Qualifications Check
* 5 years of Referencing
Priority Applicant Information
Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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