SEND Specialist  5th January 2026 – 31st March 2026 
South West Council
£500-£525 (Inside IR35 via umbrella)
Hybrid working – primarily home based with some in-person stakeholder meetings
CVs are being reviewed immediately, with interviews taking place via Microsoft Teams.

This large Local Authority are seeking an experienced SEND Specialist to lead a short-term but high-impact project reviewing and improving the Local Offer. This is a unique opportunity to shape services for children and young people with SEND, ensuring families and professionals can access clear, accessible, and compliant information aligned with national policy priorities.

You’ll be joining at a crucial time to deliver meaningful improvements across Education, Health, and Care services, working collaboratively with stakeholders to co-produce sustainable solutions.

Your role as SEND Specialist:

  • Lead a comprehensive review of the LA’s Local Offer from multiple perspectives (Parent Carer, Young Person, SENCO, Health Practitioner, Social Worker, Ofsted/CQC Inspector).
  • Ensure content meets accessibility standards and aligns with national priorities (LISO, Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce, ELSEC, Whole School Improvement Programme).
  • Identify gaps and propose actionable recommendations across Education, Health, and Care.
  • Develop a detailed project plan, timeline, and governance framework.
  • Work collaboratively with partners, families, and professionals to co-produce solutions.
  • Apply expert SEND knowledge to embed improvements effectively across the local area.

Your experience as SEND Specialist:

  • Proven track record in SEND service reviews or Local Offer development.
  • Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory guidance, and the SEND Code of Practice.
  • Familiarity with Ofsted/CQC inspection frameworks.
  • Experience of co-production with parent carers, young people, and stakeholders.
  • Collaborative working across education, health, and social care sectors.
  • Involvement in Whole School Improvement or inclusion strategies.

If you’re an experienced SEND with council experience, or know someone who might be suitable, please call 0117 313 7110 to discuss further.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in touch!)

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills, and any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.

Apply now

Maximum upload size: 2MB. Accepted file types: PDF, Word
Please tick this box to accept our GDPR terms.

Managing this role

Athena O’Connor-Lindsey

Divisional Lead – Education