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.

Do you have a passion for SEND and Inclusion?

Are you a practitioner who has experience working with children who have autism/ social communication needs?

Are you a primary practitioner who has experience of students requiring sensory/ demand avoidant learning offers?

We are looking for a skilled practitioner to join our team for a term’s cover (temporary until April 2026); it would be an ideal opportunity for you to try out Advisory work whilst being in a very supportive team. Southend City Council’s Specialist Teaching Service is a large and expanding specialist SEND service created over a year ago. Our mission is to deliver exceptional support to children and young people with a range of SEND needs. We work closely with schools and settings across Southend, helping them create inclusive environments and improving outcomes for all learners.

We are seeking Primary Specialist Teachers who are confident, hands-on, and ready to work in classrooms, partnering with school leaders and staff to raise standards of SEND provision. Our team currently consists of 24 specialists, and we are eager to grow even further. All new team members will benefit from a full induction and shadowing programme. We pride ourselves on our in-house SEND CPD offer, which includes weekly opportunities for training, joint working, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality specialist support to children and young people with SEND, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Complex Needs, Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN), and Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and external stakeholders to identify and address the specific needs of SEND students, driving inclusive practices and positive outcomes.
• Monitor, evaluate, and refine early identification and intervention strategies, promoting continuous improvement and best practice in SEND education.
• Ensure compliance with SEND-related policies, safeguarding regulations, and inclusion standards.
• Deliver training and model effective practice to schools, settings, and partner agencies on all aspects of SEND support.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have:

• At least 3 years of experience working as a SEND specialist and or experienced SENCO, in a specialist setting, or with a specific area of SEND expertise.
• Demonstrated experience of exemplary teaching and implementing inclusive practices in a Primary, Secondary, or Special School setting.
• A deep understanding of the SEND landscape in Southend schools and settings.
• Extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum, current SEND curriculum, and emerging developments.
• Familiarity with statutory and non-statutory frameworks, assessment criteria, and reporting procedures.
• A proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes in both mainstream and specialist settings.
• Experience collaborating with practitioners to apply practical strategies for overcoming learning barriers for students with SEND.

• Competitive agency day rate
• The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, growing team of SEND professionals in Southend.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of students across the city, helping shape the future of inclusive education.

Terms

• Term time only
• Would consider part time
• Predominantly primary caseload

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience required for this role, we'd love to hear from you!

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides) outlining your suitability for the role.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please 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.

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.