"Every Child Deserves The Same Quality Of Support." Interview With an Assistant SEND Case Officer

In this blog, you will learn:

• About the importance of communication for students, parents and educators.
• Different ways to communicate and give children and young people with SEND a voice.
• How to find and apply for the best SEND Case Officer jobs.

In our latest interview, we spoke with an Assistant SEND Case Officer about the importance of communication with students, parents and educators, as well as colleagues in the education and SEND sector. 

After working with non-verbal children in the classroom, this Assistant SEND Case Officer was inspired to move into the SEND casework process. Drawing on his experience, this Assistant SEND Case Officer is passionate about ensuring every child and young person with SEND has a voice, regardless of their needs.

He also highlights the need for a fair, consistent support system that offers high standards, specialist training and timely resources long before a child requires an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Throughout this interview, we uncover the opportunities and values that drive this Assistant SEND Case Officer’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

Can you start by telling us a bit about your career background and how you got into the role of an Assistant SEND Case Officer?

I started my career in the SEND sector working directly with children in special education settings. I worked closely with children who had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), helping them manage their behaviour and build trust.

I supported non-verbal children and learned to use different communication methods like Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to engage them effectively. Those experiences made me want to understand more about the wider SEND process, not just classroom support.

That led me to my current role as an Assistant SEND Case Officer, where I support the casework team with EHCPs. It’s given me insight into the statutory side, from meeting deadlines and liaising with families and professionals to making sure children get the right provision.

What does your role as an Assistant SEND Case Officer role in a local authority consist of?

My days are usually very busy and varied. A lot of it involves tracking new EHCP requests, gathering reports from professionals and making sure we meet statutory timelines.

I also handle communication with parents, schools and health professionals keeping everyone updated on where things are in the process. 

I often review professional advice, checking that all the right information is included in the plan and make sure records are accurate.

Who do you work with on a daily basis?

Every day I’m in contact with parents, SENCOs, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists. I also liaise with colleagues within the SEND team to make sure all cases stay on track. 

As I’ve worked in schools myself as a Teaching Assistant, I understand how stretched Teachers and SENCOs can be, so I try to make communication clear and straightforward.

How do you liaise with parents and schools to ensure a child’s needs are met?

I always make sure parents and schools feel involved throughout the process. With parents, I keep communication open whether by email or phone and explain next steps clearly so they are always aware of what is going on.

With schools, I’ll check in with SENCOs and share updates on timelines or reports. Because I’ve worked in school environments, I understand the challenges they face, so I try to be supportive rather than just procedural. I’ve found that being approachable and transparent helps build trust.

Can you share a memorable moment in your career where you felt you made a real difference in a child's life?

I once worked with a non-verbal student who found it hard to engage with anyone. I used the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and some visual routines to help him communicate.

Over time, he began using the cards confidently to express himself even asking for breaks or preferred activities. This showed me that communication is not only through talking and that even though some children are non verbal they still have a voice.

What’s the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in your career?

The most valuable lesson that I’ve learned in my career is that consistency and empathy go a long way. Whether you’re working in schools or in casework, I’ve learned that families really value honest communication and reliability. Even when you don’t have an immediate answer, letting them know you’re listening and taking action builds trust.

I would also say that small steps really matter, as progress might be slow, but it’s still progress.

What changes would you like to see happen in the SEND sector and why?

I’d like to see more early intervention support available before a child needs an EHCP. A lot of children could make great progress if schools had more resources and specialist training earlier on.

I also think that more consistency across councils would help. Sometimes families experience different standards depending on where they live and that shouldn’t be the case. Every child deserves the same quality of support regardless of where they are living.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career as a SEND professional?

I’d tell them to be patient, empathetic and open to learning all the time. SEND work can be emotional and complex, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My advice would be to build strong relationships with parents and colleagues and always keep the child at the centre of what you do.

I'd also say to be organised because there are a lot of tight deadlines in the SEND process and an increasing amount of requests for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA). When you are organised, the tasks are much more manageable and effective.

SEND Case Officer jobs

If you’re searching for your next SEND Case Officer job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Recruit SEND Case Officers

As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs. 

If you’re struggling to recruit, we have exclusive access to some of the most experienced SEND Case Officers in the UK.

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

• South of the UK - Richard Shorrock
• Midlands & North of the UK - Adam Zyda

Share your experience

Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the SEND sector.

If you work in the SEND sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions. 

Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.