Inclusion Support Officer - Experts at Hand

Job Introduction

Working hours: 37

Interview Dates: 15th, 23rd and 26th October 2026

Join Us and Shape the Future of SEND in Rutland

Rutland County Council is seeking enthusiastic, talented and committed professionals to join our growing SEND and Inclusion team as we deliver an ambitious programme of local and national SEND reforms.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a more inclusive education system that puts children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do. Our SEND Reform Programme is focused on strengthening inclusion in mainstream education, improving partnership working across education, health and care, embedding co-production with families, and ensuring children and young people receive the right support at the right time.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to support the implementation of Rutland's innovative "Experts at Hand" model and Local Inclusion Support Offer. Working directly with schools and partners, you will help strengthen inclusion within mainstream settings and support children to remain successful within their local communities.

About the Role

You will work closely with schools, families and partner agencies to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people. The role involves providing advice and support on SEND and wider inclusion matters, coordinating support plans, monitoring attendance and exclusions, maintaining accurate records and data, and ensuring the Council meets its statutory education responsibilities. You will play a key role in embedding the Experts at Hand model and supporting the delivery of national SEND reforms across Rutland.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Costs for the DBS are covered by Rutland County Council.

Please note that you will need a full driving licence to enable you to travel across the county.

About You

We want to hear from people who:

• Are passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with SEND.
• Share our commitment to inclusion, co-production and person-centred practice.
• Enjoy working collaboratively with families, schools and partner organisations.
• Are solution-focused, adaptable and enthusiastic about change.
• Have experience within SEND, education, children's services, health, local government or related sectors.
• Are committed to developing innovative approaches that improve outcomes and make best use of resources.

Informal enquiries:

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Andrea Tyler, Senior Practitioner at atyler@rutland.gov.uk

We review applications frequently; however, in periods of high demand, the role may close earlier than advertised, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Why Join Rutland?

At Rutland, we are ambitious for every child and young person. We are proud to have achieved the highest possible outcome through our Ofsted inspection, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-quality services and positive outcomes for families. As we continue to build an inclusive, responsive and sustainable SEND system, we recognise that our success depends on passionate and talented people who share our vision. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of SEND provision and inclusion in Rutland.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A strong focus on health, wellbeing, and work-life balance

For further information on the benefits of working for Rutland, please see our careers page: Council vacancies | Rutland County Council

Our Values

Our values – Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference – guide everything we do. We’re looking for people who share these values and want to contribute to strong, supportive teams that deliver positive outcomes for our communities