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.

We are looking for an Elective Home Educaton Access Team Leader to lead the Elective Home Education Team on a full time and permanent basis. This contract is within a friendly and  well established team and is being offered on a hybrid work pattern which is a blend of working from the office and out and about visiting families in their homes, schools, educational settings, and partners across Essex as well as time for administration at home (if desired).

As an EHE Access Team Leader, you will lead partnership work with Schools (including Academy’s), Learning Services and Children’s Services, to monitor, analyse, challenge and support the effective implementation of statutory duties, local policy and the development of good practice for children identified as home educated. You will lead the collaborative partnership work and engagement with home educating families and their children ensuring the team provide a clear offer of support, education information, advice and guidance, and parent and child voice influences the co-production and continued development of LA policies and practice.

You will oversee and lead on the statutory functions for Elective Home Education, overseeing the delivery of all Council responsibilities, including:

• Development, implementation and maintain local policy and practice for EHE in partnership with EHE families, ensuring they are updated in line with current legislation and duties
• Overseeing and quality assuring the delivery of the teams annual face to face and virtual education contacts to assess whether education is suitable and full time in accordance with legislation
• Lead on the liaison and partnership working with Business Support to ensure that all EHE processes remain effective and records are maintained and developed.
• Initiate legal proceedings for families where education is deemed unsuitable working in partnership with the School Attendance Team to in issuing School Attendance Orders and providing the necessary evidence and witness statements for Magistrates Court.
• Lead the work of the EHE Access Advisors in developing information sharing opportunities for parents regarding curriculum, SEND, local alternative provision and activities, GCSE examinations and post 16 opportunities and associated budget.
• Provide challenge and support to schools where appropriate and report any findings of off-rolling and coercion.
• To act as the named designated safeguarding lead for the team in relation to any safeguarding concerns and supervisory advice and assistance to the team

To meet the needs of the role, the successful candidate will need to be available to work evenings as and when required.

To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have a working knowledge of the Education Act, Children’s Act, Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations and other associated legislation. You will also need to have substantial experience of working with children, young people and families. It is vital that you have working knowledge of the Education Act, Children’s Act, Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations and other associated legislation.

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 relationship and be able to engage, influence and drive collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to achieve results. Excellent knowledge and experience of decisions related to safeguarding and effective case management is critical for this role.

A full clean driving license will be advantageous for the post as the post holder will be required to be mobile and move around the City.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. 

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. Southend-on-Sea city council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.