In this blog, you will learn:
- About the potential impact of Labour’s SEND reforms and strategies to meet the growing needs of children with SEND.
About the need for better early intervention and specialist school provision.
Where the latest SEND Case Officer jobs are how to apply for them.
In this interview, we spoke with a SEND Case Officer about their career journey and their thoughts on the growing demand facing local authorities. SEND Case Officers assist with case management and coordinate with parents and schools to ensure that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the most effective support.
This SEND Case Officer believes there is a need for better early intervention and specialist school provision as well as SEND reforms that promise better communication and emotional support for parents exploring alternative options.
For those working in the sector or navigating the SEND system, this interview provides an honest look at the current challenges and the urgent need for improved SEND strategies.
Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role
I left university not really knowing what I wanted to do and worked in various customer service and admin roles, before qualifying as a Financial/Mortgage advisor in 2016.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was in the process of setting up my own business and took a part-time temping job to supplement my income. This role involved working in a new project team focused on a large backlog of EHCP applications.
It was a great opportunity to use a lot of my existing experience and skills and learn about the EHCP process. Realising that I was getting more job satisfaction in this role, I decided to keep pursuing it. My current role as a SEND Case Officer is varied and I assist with case management and speak to parents and schools.
How has SEND provision changed over the past 12 months and where do you see it heading in 2025?
I haven’t seen a specific change in provision over the last 12 months, but demand has been increasing steadily year in year out. I think that as this year progresses demand will continue. I read the news daily and get most of my information from there as well as local authority communications in team meetings.
The 2025 Labour government has introduced several educational and SEND reforms. Do you think Labour will have an impact on the challenges local authorities face?
I certainly hope that the Labour government will have a positive impact and take a more holistic approach to SEN strategy, such as the reintroduction of Sure Start Centres. The main challenges local authorities face are budgets and meeting the expectations of parents with SEN children. With the variety of issues and state of public finances in the country at the moment, I don’t think it’s realistic for anything significant to happen until at least 2026.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role? Can you share a moment in your role that felt particularly rewarding?
The main thing I find fulfilling in my role is I am not working to make someone else rich and it’s great to get a thankyou from a grateful parent when you’ve over-delivered on expectations!
What challenges do you believe councils and the SEND sector will face with the new Labour government?
The main challenge will be that local authorities will be hoping for the Labour government to address issues as quickly as possible, but this will be difficult due to the long list of problems to deal with.
What challenges have you’ve faced in your SEND career and how did you overcome them?
The only challenge I have experienced is that you have to be in the right place at the right time to take good roles when you are a contractor. Some roles are easier than others depending on how well organised the local authority that you work for is!
How might SEND provision change under Labour’s government and what reforms do you hope to see?
With the shortage of specialist schools, hopefully the Labour government will open more specialist schools and invest in early year intervention to help children’s needs be identified and supported sooner.
What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Be aware of unconscious bias, which we all have.
What’s your vision for the future of SEND services and what changes would you like to see in 2025?
All local authorities need more staff to cope with demand, so hopefully that will change. I would also like to see improved communication and emotional support for parents regarding alternative options to EHC plans, as well as greater support within schools.
Many applications are submitted to local authorities for children whose needs could be met without a formal EHCP. However, local authorities rarely decline these applications due to the unfavorable appeals process, which spreads resources very thinly.
What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?
It can be a tough job but it can be very rewarding.
What were your experiences of working with Spencer Clarke Group? What are the benefits of using a recruitment agency?
My experience working with Spencer Clarke Group was very positive. I always get paid on time and can contact someone if I need to. It’s good to build relationships with recruitment agencies who get to know that you’re reliable and can have you in mind for the best roles that suit you.
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