About The Role
Education Access Coordinator
Fixed Term, Full Time
£28,514 to £33,545 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 13 October 2025
This vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 2 years.
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office in Chelmsford 1 day per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.
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The Opportunity
Essex County Council (ECC) is responsible for ensuring that children and young people at risk of missing out on education are supported in being able to access suitable alternative, high quality education provision.
A flexible individual required to work face to face with schools, families and other key stakeholders to ensure access to education. This role will ensure pupils who are unable to access, or who are at risk of losing a school place as a result of behavioural issues which includes bullying, physical or mental health issues, will still have access to suitable educational provision in line with ECC’s vision of increasing educational achievement.
An experienced practitioner required to support Education Access Specialists within the education environment, in which some children are currently unwilling to attend school. This role requires effective skills in working with families to reduce risks by securing the best solution for children and young people.
Accountabilities
* Responsible for individual case management to ensure ECC responsibilities in relation to “Education other than at School” are properly discharged by commissioning appropriate alternative provision for children.
* Responsible for collaborating with schools for those who have been placed on a reduced timetable within a school environment or, who may be struggling for reasons of bullying, to ensure alternative options are considered.
* Responsible for face to face working with families, children and others to identify and secure the best provision for children unable to attend school, ensuring the risks of permanent exclusion from school are mitigated.
* Work collaboratively with schools, providers and families to ensure adequate support and guidance for children to move forward and achieve the best outcome for them.
* Responsible for working with families and schools on all bullying cases to consider alternatives if appropriate and gaining agreement from all parties.
* Responsible for progressing cases, medical referrals, anti bullying and reduced timetables to ensure next steps and actions are agreed.
* Provide advice and guidance on policy, procedures and review mechanisms to Headteachers, Governors and parents, relating to exclusions and reintegration.
* Responsible for monitoring alternative education funded provision to ensure such provision is effective and value for money.
* Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to RQF Level 3 (A Level) or equivalent by experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
* Experience of working in the educational field and supporting young people to overcome anti social behaviours, working within a team.
* Experience of making decisions and using initiative to ensure positive outcomes for young people.
* Experience of organising and prioritising own workloads with no supervision.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to engage with and deal with young people often with complex and distressing circumstances.
* Good knowledge of DfE guidance around exclusions and alternative provision.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. We ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, Essex is the ideal place to develop your career or contribute to the local community.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, and we’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We encourage adjustments during the process. Once employed, you will receive employee benefits and flexible working arrangements.
Please note that the role requires mobility across an operational area; a driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required, or the ability to meet mobility needs through other means.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. DBS checks may be required, and if so you will need to register with the DBS update service.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, join The Essex Talent Community. For queries, please email jamielea.wallis@essex.gov.uk.
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