Job summary Southend on Sea City Council is seeking an Inclusion Manager to join their Access and Inclusion service on a full time and permanent basis. This contract is within an established team and it is being offered on a flexible and hybrid work pattern. As an Inclusion manager, you will lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for Inclusion across the City, including alternative arrangements for those children and young people unable to access education through mainstream provision to ensure a suitable and safe full-time education. You will lead on the deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice under s19 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure the provision of suitable full-time education at school or otherwise and ensure published information is kept up to date. This includes the effective monitoring and quality assurance of children on reduced hours of education and accessing alternative education. Lead on the effective delivery and arrangements for children accessing suitable education other than at school ensuring regular monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators and value for money. Main duties of the job You will lead on the effective deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice linked to the above intentions and amended duties for EHE and ensure published information is kept up to date and in line with equality requirements. To line manage the team Lead for the Education Access Team (medical/mental health/pregnancy/unsafe to attend) to ensure the local authority are compliant in meeting their duty to provide a suitable full-time education (s19 Education Act 96) Although this role is offered on a hybrid basis, the successful candidate will be predominantly out and about visiting a number of locations / school settings / communities within and outside the city. Candidates must have the ability to independently travel in and outside of Southend. To meet the needs of the service, you will be expected to adopt flexible working patterns to cover occasional evenings and Saturdays. About us Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number F0033-25-0002 Job locations Southend-on-sea City Council Victoria Avenue Southend-on-sea SS1 9SB Job description Job responsibilities SOUTHEND ON SEA CITY COUNCIL ROLE PROFILE DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN & PUBLIC HEALTH PART A: JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title & Team Inclusion Manager, Access and Inclusion Service Reports To Head of SEND Assessment, Access and Inclusion Responsible For Education Access Team (x 8 FTE staff) Inclusion Team (x 5 staff) EHE Team (x 4 FTE staff) Level L10 Main Purpose of the Job To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for areas under the Access and Inclusion Service linked to Children at Risk of Missing Education through part time arrangements, suspension, exclusion or otherwise and Unplaced Children. To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for Inclusion across the City, including alternative arrangements for those children and young people unable to access education through mainstream provision to ensure a suitable and safe full time education. To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for Elective Home Education, achieved through effective communication and engagement with parents, carers, children young people and education providers. Key Responsibilities Children Missing Education To lead on the deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice under s19 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure the provision of suitable full time education at school or otherwise and ensure published information is kept up to date. This includes the effective monitoring and quality assurance of children on reduced hours of education and accessing alternative education. Working collaboratively with partners to analyse and review the LA oversight and impact for those children at greater risk of becoming CME (reduced timetables/off rolling/exclusion/persistent absence/SEN/EHE/alternative provision etc) Lead the CME Case Management Group (and any associated CME Working Groups) to direct and motivate a multi-agency group to increase inclusion strategies and reduce risk within the city, taking a lead role to review and publish documentation, action plans and reports appertaining to the wider CME agenda Through collaborative working with partners across the local area lead on the delivery of inclusion strategies and outcomes for children, including those identified within the local SEND Partnership Strategy and SEND strategic action plan To work in partnership with key practitioners within the Childrens Workforce to increase understanding and awareness and contribute to training, developing joined up mechanisms for identification of children at risk of missing education and the monitoring of outcomes for vulnerable children To be the lead officer for inclusion, advising schools and parents in relation to children at risk of, or have been excluded from school. Access to suitable education Lead on the effective delivery and arrangements for children accessing suitable education other than at school ensuring regular monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators and value for money, specifically: ensure the delivery of sixth day provision for a child permanently excluded Commissioned alternative provision places that evidence positive impact on a childs educational, social and emotional progress and improved outcomes enabling a successful return to mainstream provision for those children that are unable to be placed through usual commissioned arrangements To line manage the team Lead for the Education Access Team (medical/mental health/pregnancy/unsafe to attend) to ensure the local authority are compliant in meeting their duty to provide a suitable full time education (s19 Education Act 96) Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the Education Access Team in delivering suitable education Ensure the quality assurance and safeguarding of those children accessing unregistered alternative provisions and undertaking safeguarding and assurance site visits to unregistered schools and provisions. To line manage the team Lead for the Inclusion Team (alternative provision, unregistered schools, part-time timetables, suspensions and exclusions) to ensure the local authority are compliant in meeting their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child and provide a suitable full time education (s19 Education Act 96) Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the Inclusion Team in delivering statutory functions Lead on the provision of detailed, statistical information, which is linked to the Departments performance indicators in this area of work and report to groups within the Council. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and service users, ensuring a customer focused approach to lead on local strategy for inclusive approaches across the area, improving outcomes for Southend children and young people. Lead the implementation and continued development of the Southend Inclusion and Fair Access Panels and providing effective administration, organisation and delivery of panels and their outcomes, which includes associated budgets and chairing panels as needed. Elective Home Education (EHE) To ensure Southend City is prepared and ready to embrace the new duties and expectations of the Childrens Welfare and schools bill in relation Elective Home Education. To lead on the effective deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice linked to the above intentions and amended duties for EHE and ensure published information is kept up to date and in line with equality requirements. Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the EHE team to ensure effective delivery of statutory functions ensuring the LAs duties and functions under s436 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and s437 of the Education Act Through collaborative working, develop parent/child engagement with the council and lead on effective mechanisms to enable receiving, analysing and responding to parent/child voice through implementing changes to policy and practice Lead on the EHE outcomes, through effective communication, engagement and co-production with the EHE community and Southend Schools To line manage the work of the EHE Access Team Lead and provide quality assurance for evidence of impact of suitable education, oversight and safeguarding for home educated children and young people Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and service users, ensuring a customer focused approach to lead on local strategy for inclusive approaches across the area, improving outcomes for Southend children and young people. To deputise for the Head of SEND Assessment, Access and Inclusion as required. Contribute to the vision of the organisation and city. Contribute to the Councils Corporate Plan and adhere to the Councils Values and Behaviours. Contribute to the Councils success by accepting new tasks, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve personal and team results. Be familiar with Equal Opportunities good practice and with the Councils requirements for Diversity and to implement this in all aspects of working. Promote and work in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act and GDPR. This job description does not form part of your contract of employment Responsibility for Resources Responsibility for the effective delivery of Inclusion Services within Southend and ongoing Review of the Effectiveness of Commissioned alternative provision pathways to ensure value for money and excellent outcomes for children. Line Management of the team leads working under the Inclusion section of Access and Inclusion Responsibility for appropriate spending against the associated inclusion budgets and income targets (budget sign off sits with Head of Service) Disclosure & Barring Service Please insert the following sentence if a DBS check is required and insert the level of check required (Basic, Standard, Enhanced), for which workforce and whether a check against the Barred List is required. If you are uncertain as to whether a check is required or the level, please contact HR Services. If no check is required state Not applicable. This role requires Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check for the Childrens workforce, with a check against the barred list PART B: PERSON SPECIFICATION Attributes Activity E ssential or D esirable How evidenced Qualifications or membership to a Registered Body Qualified Teacher (QTS) To hold a recognised degree or equivalent level qualification in one or more of the following areas: Social Care Education Health Related Field Substantial relevant & recent experience of working with children, young people and families D D E C C A & I Knowledge, Experience Skills and Abilities Experience of leading different teams and being responsible for a range of duties Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures etc. Excellent knowledge and experience of decisions related to safeguarding and effective case management Experience of procuring and delivering projects in accordance with a recognised project management methodology. Experience of effective working with school leaders and the wider partnership Job description Job responsibilities SOUTHEND ON SEA CITY COUNCIL ROLE PROFILE DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN & PUBLIC HEALTH PART A: JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title & Team Inclusion Manager, Access and Inclusion Service Reports To Head of SEND Assessment, Access and Inclusion Responsible For Education Access Team (x 8 FTE staff) Inclusion Team (x 5 staff) EHE Team (x 4 FTE staff) Level L10 Main Purpose of the Job To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for areas under the Access and Inclusion Service linked to Children at Risk of Missing Education through part time arrangements, suspension, exclusion or otherwise and Unplaced Children. To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for Inclusion across the City, including alternative arrangements for those children and young people unable to access education through mainstream provision to ensure a suitable and safe full time education. To lead on the design and implementation of local Strategy and Policy for Elective Home Education, achieved through effective communication and engagement with parents, carers, children young people and education providers. Key Responsibilities Children Missing Education To lead on the deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice under s19 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure the provision of suitable full time education at school or otherwise and ensure published information is kept up to date. This includes the effective monitoring and quality assurance of children on reduced hours of education and accessing alternative education. Working collaboratively with partners to analyse and review the LA oversight and impact for those children at greater risk of becoming CME (reduced timetables/off rolling/exclusion/persistent absence/SEN/EHE/alternative provision etc) Lead the CME Case Management Group (and any associated CME Working Groups) to direct and motivate a multi-agency group to increase inclusion strategies and reduce risk within the city, taking a lead role to review and publish documentation, action plans and reports appertaining to the wider CME agenda Through collaborative working with partners across the local area lead on the delivery of inclusion strategies and outcomes for children, including those identified within the local SEND Partnership Strategy and SEND strategic action plan To work in partnership with key practitioners within the Childrens Workforce to increase understanding and awareness and contribute to training, developing joined up mechanisms for identification of children at risk of missing education and the monitoring of outcomes for vulnerable children To be the lead officer for inclusion, advising schools and parents in relation to children at risk of, or have been excluded from school. Access to suitable education Lead on the effective delivery and arrangements for children accessing suitable education other than at school ensuring regular monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators and value for money, specifically: ensure the delivery of sixth day provision for a child permanently excluded Commissioned alternative provision places that evidence positive impact on a childs educational, social and emotional progress and improved outcomes enabling a successful return to mainstream provision for those children that are unable to be placed through usual commissioned arrangements To line manage the team Lead for the Education Access Team (medical/mental health/pregnancy/unsafe to attend) to ensure the local authority are compliant in meeting their duty to provide a suitable full time education (s19 Education Act 96) Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the Education Access Team in delivering suitable education Ensure the quality assurance and safeguarding of those children accessing unregistered alternative provisions and undertaking safeguarding and assurance site visits to unregistered schools and provisions. To line manage the team Lead for the Inclusion Team (alternative provision, unregistered schools, part-time timetables, suspensions and exclusions) to ensure the local authority are compliant in meeting their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child and provide a suitable full time education (s19 Education Act 96) Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the Inclusion Team in delivering statutory functions Lead on the provision of detailed, statistical information, which is linked to the Departments performance indicators in this area of work and report to groups within the Council. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and service users, ensuring a customer focused approach to lead on local strategy for inclusive approaches across the area, improving outcomes for Southend children and young people. Lead the implementation and continued development of the Southend Inclusion and Fair Access Panels and providing effective administration, organisation and delivery of panels and their outcomes, which includes associated budgets and chairing panels as needed. Elective Home Education (EHE) To ensure Southend City is prepared and ready to embrace the new duties and expectations of the Childrens Welfare and schools bill in relation Elective Home Education. To lead on the effective deployment and implementation of relevant strategies, policy and practice linked to the above intentions and amended duties for EHE and ensure published information is kept up to date and in line with equality requirements. Regular review of the functions and quality of delivery of the EHE team to ensure effective delivery of statutory functions ensuring the LAs duties and functions under s436 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and s437 of the Education Act Through collaborative working, develop parent/child engagement with the council and lead on effective mechanisms to enable receiving, analysing and responding to parent/child voice through implementing changes to policy and practice Lead on the EHE outcomes, through effective communication, engagement and co-production with the EHE community and Southend Schools To line manage the work of the EHE Access Team Lead and provide quality assurance for evidence of impact of suitable education, oversight and safeguarding for home educated children and young people Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and service users, ensuring a customer focused approach to lead on local strategy for inclusive approaches across the area, improving outcomes for Southend children and young people. To deputise for the Head of SEND Assessment, Access and Inclusion as required. Contribute to the vision of the organisation and city. Contribute to the Councils Corporate Plan and adhere to the Councils Values and Behaviours. Contribute to the Councils success by accepting new tasks, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve personal and team results. Be familiar with Equal Opportunities good practice and with the Councils requirements for Diversity and to implement this in all aspects of working. Promote and work in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act and GDPR. This job description does not form part of your contract of employment Responsibility for Resources Responsibility for the effective delivery of Inclusion Services within Southend and ongoing Review of the Effectiveness of Commissioned alternative provision pathways to ensure value for money and excellent outcomes for children. Line Management of the team leads working under the Inclusion section of Access and Inclusion Responsibility for appropriate spending against the associated inclusion budgets and income targets (budget sign off sits with Head of Service) Disclosure & Barring Service Please insert the following sentence if a DBS check is required and insert the level of check required (Basic, Standard, Enhanced), for which workforce and whether a check against the Barred List is required. If you are uncertain as to whether a check is required or the level, please contact HR Services. If no check is required state Not applicable. This role requires Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check for the Childrens workforce, with a check against the barred list PART B: PERSON SPECIFICATION Attributes Activity E ssential or D esirable How evidenced Qualifications or membership to a Registered Body Qualified Teacher (QTS) To hold a recognised degree or equivalent level qualification in one or more of the following areas: Social Care Education Health Related Field Substantial relevant & recent experience of working with children, young people and families D D E C C A & I Knowledge, Experience Skills and Abilities Experience of leading different teams and being responsible for a range of duties Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures etc. Excellent knowledge and experience of decisions related to safeguarding and effective case management Experience of procuring and delivering projects in accordance with a recognised project management methodology. Experience of effective working with school leaders and the wider partnership Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths Desirable Qualified Teacher (QTS) To hold a recognised degree or equivalent level qualification in one or more of the following areas Social Care Education Health Related Field Experience Essential To be successful in this role, you need to have Substantial relevant & recent experience of working with children, young people and families. Knowledge and experience of decisions related to safeguarding and effective case management is essential for this role. It is also essential that you have demonstrable understanding of the inclusion challenges within schools. It is crucial that you have experience of leading different teams and being responsible for a range of duties. Knowledge of the current Ofsted framework associated with children missing education is essential to be successful in this post. This role would suit an individual who is resilient, able to work under pressure and have the capacity to respond to changing priorities. It is vital that you can build strong relationships and be able to engage, influence and drive collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to achieve results. We will welcome applications from candidates who have previously worked in Social Care / Education / Health Care at a senior or strategic level. Desirable QTS is highly desirable but not essential. Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths Desirable Qualified Teacher (QTS) To hold a recognised degree or equivalent level qualification in one or more of the following areas Social Care Education Health Related Field Experience Essential To be successful in this role, you need to have Substantial relevant & recent experience of working with children, young people and families. Knowledge and experience of decisions related to safeguarding and effective case management is essential for this role. It is also essential that you have demonstrable understanding of the inclusion challenges within schools. It is crucial that you have experience of leading different teams and being responsible for a range of duties. Knowledge of the current Ofsted framework associated with children missing education is essential to be successful in this post. This role would suit an individual who is resilient, able to work under pressure and have the capacity to respond to changing priorities. It is vital that you can build strong relationships and be able to engage, influence and drive collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to achieve results. We will welcome applications from candidates who have previously worked in Social Care / Education / Health Care at a senior or strategic level. Desirable QTS is highly desirable but not essential. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Southend On Sea City Council Address Southend-on-sea City Council Victoria Avenue Southend-on-sea SS1 9SB Employer's website https://www.southend.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)