Advanced Practitioner - Quality Assurance (SEND)
- Exeter
- Full Time
- £45,091 - £49,282 p.a
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for Children and Young People with SEND? Do you have the expertise to lead high‑quality practice and drive continuous improvement across Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes? If so, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
12 month Fixed-Term/Internal Secondment Opportunity
We are seeking an Advanced Practitioner – Quality Assurance (SEND) to strengthen our countywide approach to EHCP quality, assurance, and improvement. In this pivotal role, you will provide professional leadership, champion outstanding practice, and promote effective multi-agency collaboration to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the very best support.
You will be responsible for ensuring the quality, timeliness, and statutory compliance of multi-agency contributions to EHCPs, as well as supporting the wider development of SEND practice across Education, Health and Care. This is an exciting opportunity to influence, shape, and elevate practice standards across Devon’s SEND services.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Lead quality assurance for EHCPs and early SEND support.
- Strengthen collaboration across education, health and social care partners.
- Provide professional leadership and guidance to managers and practitioners.
- Drive improvement through audits, performance monitoring and targeted action.
- Support Ofsted/CQC SEND inspection readiness.
- Develop staff through training, coaching and reflective learning.
- Champion person‑centred, strengths‑based, evidence‑informed practice.
- Work collaboratively with internal audit, inspectorates and external partners.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and professional curiosity
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in a SEND‑related professional role.
- Strong understanding of statutory SEND processes and legislation.
- Proven ability to improve EHCP quality and lead multi‑agency work.
- Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
- Skilled in delivering training, coaching and practice development.
- Works confidently and flexibly in a complex environment.
- Committed to evidence‑based practice and continuous improvement
It is a requirement of this role hold a recognised SEND‑related professional qualification (e.g., teaching, psychology, social work, therapy) and be able to evidence ongoing professional development, with willingness to work towards postgraduate (Masters‑level) study if not already achieved.
Click here to see the Job Description
Why Join Us?
At Devon County Council, you will be part of a passionate team striving to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND. We offer:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
- The ability to shape and influence SEND practice across the local area.
- A role that makes a meaningful difference every day.
What we can offer?
We offer an excellent range of employee benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Assistance Program for support when needed, plus a variety of well-being services
- Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance, including remote work options
- Discounts at over 900 national & local retailers through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
For an informal discussion about the role, contact Claire Merchantjones - claire.merchantjones@devon.gov.uk
Application Deadline: 07 April 2026, with interviews being held on the 23 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted promptly to arrange interviews.
Internal Applicants: Please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to apply.
Additional Information
- DBS disclosure required.
- Confident spoken and written English essential.
- We value diversity and welcome applicants who share our commitment to equality and inclusion (see our Equality & Diversity webpage).
- Flexible working options available, including hybrid, part‑time and compressed hours.
- We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults; all staff must share this commitment.
- Applicant data is processed in line with our Privacy Notice.
Interview Date: 23 April 2026
REQ009488 Children's Social Care