About the role
Join us as an SEND Advisor Early Years and make a lasting impact on children aged 0–5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), by supporting them through a flexible, needs-led approach that puts each child's development at the heart of early intervention.
As a key member of the SEND Advisory Service, you will work directly with the Early Years sector, families, and professionals to ensure that children with SEND are identified early and receive the support they need to thrive. You will work with children across a wide spectrum of special educational needs and disabilities, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language difficulties, social-emotional development, global developmental delay, and varied approaches to learning. You'll bring your expertise in early childhood development, inclusive practice, and SEND to empower practitioners and parents alike.
This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across the Early Years sector, supporting professionals to use tools such as the Progress Check at Age Two, EYFS Profile, WellComm, ASQ, and observational tracking to identify needs early and intervene effectively.
You will:
* Deliver high-quality training to Early Years practitioners, building their confidence and capacity to support children with SEND across a range of needs.
* Design and lead inclusive parent-child activity sessions using the EYFS curriculum and evidence-based parenting programmes.
* Support families in understanding their child's development and behaviour, offering practical strategies and reassurance.
* Promote the use of the My Support Plan as a co-produced, person-centred planning tool across the Early Years sector.
* Collaborate with health, education, and social care partners to ensure coordinated, joined-up support for families.
* Contribute to the development of inclusive environments by modelling strategies, making referrals, and supporting childminders and other providers to meet the needs of children with SEND.
* Facilitate cross-sector collaboration and support seamless transitions between Early Years providers and school settings.
If you're ready to lead change, support families, and champion inclusion in the Early Years sector, we'd love to hear from you.
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
* 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 organisation's 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
* 3 years of Referencing
Please note: 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.