Supporting Children and Families: An Interview With a SEND and Inclusion Mediator and Advocate

In this blog, you will learn:

• How a career in SEND and inclusion can offer unique opportunities to make a real difference.
• How to resolve challenging situations and achieve the best outcomes for all children and young people.
• How the growing complexity of SEND provision is shaping several sectors from education and SEND, to health and social care.
• Where the latest local authority SEND jobs are and how to apply for them.

In our latest industry interview, we’ve been speaking to Tarun Ghosh, a SEND and Inclusion Mediator, Advocate and Consultant. Within his role, Tarun is responsible for ensuring the quality and sufficiency of EHC needs assessments through quality assurance systems. He also communicates with families during the most complex casework and resolves disagreements with parents through mediation.

To avoid costly tribunals, Tarun has created local authority early intervention initiatives to resolve disagreements with parents. He has also completed courses in Safeguarding and Preventing Radicalisation and ensures processes are efficient to determine appropriate support.

In this interview, Tarun discusses how his background in the SEND sector motivates him to enhance outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role as a SEND and Inclusion Mediator, Advocate and Consultant?

I’ve had quite a journey in SEND and inclusion and I can honestly say it has been incredibly fulfilling. My career has taken me through local government finance and education, where I’ve worn many hats. I’ve been a SEND mediator, a strong advocate for children and young people and even a specialist consultant in SEND.

I started off in an entry-level position and gradually worked my way up to Head of Service. It has been an amazing experience and I’m grateful for every step along the way and all the people that have helped me.

How has SEND provision changed over the course of your career and where do you see it heading?

SEND has become much busier in local authorities lately and this change highlights the growing volume and complexity of special educational needs. It is really important that we take proactive steps to ensure those needs are met effectively. 

There’s also a stronger focus on the expertise available in mainstream education to support the needs of their students.

In the midst of all this SEND work, we have a wonderful opportunity to provide the right support at just the right time for every child and young person. 

As we continue to collaborate closely with our partners in education, health and social care, we’re better equipped to understand and address the needs of our communities now and in the future.

What do you find most fulfilling about your role? Can you share a moment in your role that felt particularly rewarding?

Working with children and young people brings me so much joy. I also get to connect with many amazing parents and caregivers who share their unique experiences with me.

One of my favorite memories happened when I was working for a local council. The young people really found their voice and invited me to their forum, where they surprised me with thoughtful gifts they had made. It was such a heartfelt moment.

I'm also lucky to meet so many wonderful professionals and practitioners who generously share their knowledge and insights about various special educational needs. It really is like getting an education in real time every single day.

How do you ensure you deliver results in mediation, advocacy and consultancy each year?

I focus on achieving positive outcomes while also ensuring that I follow all the necessary procedures. When the information I have isn't clear, my priority is always to make decisions that are best for the child or young person involved. This mindset helps me stay grounded and ultimately leads to the right outcomes for the work I'm doing.

What challenges do you believe councils and the SEND sector will face as Labour continues in government?

Both councils and the SEND sector are working hard to understand and meet the unique needs of each individual with SEND. The goal is to provide the right support at the right time and in the right place. 

This is so our young people can thrive in their education and grow into active, engaged and contributing members of society as they transition into adulthood. It is all about helping them succeed and flourish.

Can you share an example of a challenging situation you’ve faced in your career and how you resolved it?

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to facilitate a friendly and supportive mediation session involving a local authority, parents and school staff. It was clear that everyone involved had strong feelings about the issues being discussed. I made sure to recognise the heartfelt comments and emotions expressed by each participant.

It is completely normal for parents and Teachers to have different views on how to best support SEND differences. While these conversations can be tough, keeping a positive and open dialogue is crucial for the child's benefit.

By working together through our differences, we can determine the best course of action. I employed some helpful techniques like reframing and summarising and with permission, I even disagreed with some points to encourage everyone to reflect deeply on the matters at hand.

What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career is the importance of listening actively and taking the time to understand. I would say listen, listen, listen and don't make things worse.

What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?

Working in the SEND profession can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. There are challenges to face, like managing a heavy workload and navigating complex situations. Remember that you are not alone. Listen to the voices of those you are there to support; children, young people, parents and carers.

You'll also find inspiration from dedicated practitioners who have made SEND their passion. It truly is a vocation for many and you’re in great company to learn from and grow alongside.

What were your experiences of working with Spencer Clarke Group and our Divisional Manager Richard Shorrock?

Richard Shorrock is amazing. His team at Spencer Clarke Group are super friendly and they’re always ready to help you get the results you’re looking for. They really know how to make the process smooth and enjoyable, which makes working with Spencer Clarke Group a great experience!

SEND jobs

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

Local authority recruitment services 

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

We can supply SEND staff for service redesign, tackling annual review backlogs and SEND/EHC Case workers to amend plans or hold annual review meetings. 

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 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.