Senior SEND Officer

The SEND Service is responsible for ensuring that Westmorland and Furness Council meets its statutory responsibilities towards children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, who may require additional provision to be made via the support of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The SEND Service ensures that needs are understood, planned for and met, via accurate analysis and identification, timely assessment and access to appropriate local provision.

We are looking for a Senior SEND Officer who will support the SEND Team Manager to lead the SEND team, overseeing the work of a group of SEND officers. You will work to make a real difference for children, young people and families and have responsibility for:

Working with the SEND Team Manager to ensure effective, consistent practice is in place and that children and young people's EHCPs are high-quality and provide effective support

Supporting the delivery of SEND statutory processes, including EHC Needs support Assessment, Annual Reviews and phase transfers, in line with statutory legislation

Leading on complex casework, including Tribunals and mediation

Participating in statutory decision-making and resource allocation Panels, ensuring that timely and appropriate decisions are made

Working with different stakeholders, including schools and education providers, to ensure appropriate provision is in place for children and support with statutory processes where required

Location: Kendal, Barrow or Penrith, location to be agreed with successful candidate

Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

You will be enthusiastic and committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders within the SEND local area in providing for our children and young people's special educational needs. You will be a member of a directorate which respects and celebrates diversity and works to ensure our children and young people have the right support in place to live fulfilling lives as valued members of their local communities, so that they can reach their potential.

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification

• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gemma Parkes: gemma.parkes@cumbria.gov.uk

Closing date: 26/11/2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.