Solihull’s Education Inclusion team has recently been renamed to Education Participation Advisory Service (EPAS) to reflect the work of the service. We have an exciting opportunity for a senior officer to join the service.
This post will be part of the advisory team for vulnerable children in education.
This part of the team’s key focus is around reducing the number of suspensions and permanent exclusions, providing sixth day provision following a permanent exclusion, supporting mainstream schools to meet the needs of children with an EHCP whilst they are waiting for a specialist placement and supporting parents understanding and schools use of the graduated approach and expectations of SEND support through Way Forward Meetings.
As a whole team, the Education Participation Advisory Service is committed to ensuring that all children and young people in Solihull have access to inclusive and appropriate education so they can achieve positive outcomes - enabling them to lead successful adult lives. The Service provides advice, guidance, and support for children and their families where accessing appropriate education is challenging. The EPAS team is responsible for a number of areas including Children Missing Education, Elective Home Education, Permanent Exclusions, suspension and permanent exclusion prevention guidance, attendance support, the legal aspects of attendance/absence, and the issuing of child chaperone badges, work permits, and entertainment licenses. The Service also tracks children between provisions.
As a senior officer within the EPAS you will:
* Champion children’s rights to appropriate education and co-ordinate input from a range of professionals to facilitate this.
* Provide leadership, guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders around prevention of suspensions and permanent exclusions, the use of the graduated approach, inclusive practice, attendance, elective home education, and children missing education.
* Support education professionals undertaking the lead professional role to build knowledge, capacity, and confidence.
* Monitor outcomes for children who are more likely to be vulnerable and use to target support and intervention in education settings effectively.
You will have:
* A degree level qualification (or equivalent) or have the ability to demonstrate through relevant experience an equivalent level of knowledge.
* Experience of leading within an education setting, providing guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders.
* Experience of working with children, young people, and their families.
* Experience of providing guidance, advice, and challenge to other professionals.
This role is based in our collaborative open plan office space with options of working from home some of the time. The office base is the Council House, in central Solihull, within walking distance of our shops and local amenities.
We also offer:
* Flexible working, including flexi leave up to 25 days per year.
* A comprehensive training and development programme.
* Generous annual leave entitlements with opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional leave per year.
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
* Family and carer friendly policies.
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Employee benefits including subsidised travel passes, Cycle 2 Work Scheme and staff discounts.
This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively.
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details. Please note we do not accept CVs.
For further information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact:
Sophie Oldfield, EPAS Lead – sophie.oldfield@solihull.gov.uk
Closing Date – 2 March 2025
Interviews will be held on 11 March 2025.
An online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates.
This post will require an enhanced check for regulated activity for working with children.
This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Attached documents
Job Description & Person Specification
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