Understanding the SEN Case Officer Role: Managing SEND Cases Effectively
23 Jul, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- About the responsibilities of SEND Case Officers and how they effectively manage SEND cases.
- About the future of SEND provision and hopes for meaningful reform.
- Where the latest SEND Case Officer jobs are and how to apply for them.
We recently caught up with a SEND Case Officer who told us about their career path from training as a Teaching Assistant to their role in local authority children’s projects and SEND services.
Over the last 2 years, this professional has been managing caseloads and building strong relationships with families and schools to ensure children with SEND have access to the education they deserve.
Throughout our interview with them, we explore the reality of managing EHC assessments, coordinating placements and advising schools, all whilst simultaneously tackling ongoing challenges within the sector.
Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role
My career was originally in office management, administration and fundraising roles in charities - in the private and public sectors. I chose to work in education when I had my children and trained as a Teaching Assistant. I worked in schools for a few years before leaving to work for a local authority children project.
From there I got an opportunity to work in the SEND sector as an EHCP Coordinator and I am now working in my second local authority as a SEN Case Officer.
I manage a caseload of children and young people with SEND and I am responsible for:
- Establishing effective relationships with children and young people, their families and schools, enabling them to be fully involved in contributing to the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) statutory process.
- Providing guidance to education settings to help them meet their statutory duties.
- Identifying and arranging appropriate placements for children and young people in a range of circumstances.
- Working across a range of services and providers to develop individualised packages where required.
- Attending annual reviews as well as taking forward recommendations from annual reviews, ensuring the process is managed in line with statutory timescales.
- Presenting robust and evidence-based recommendations to decision making panels.
- Team working to ensure consistency in applying SEN policies and current practices.
- Being aware of children and young people’s family circumstances and referring to other agencies for support where appropriate.
What are some of your career achievements?
Some of my achievements include:
- Working within the statutory assessment process to draft proposed EHC plans from professional advice received.
- Holding co-production meetings with families, schools and other professionals to agree on a draft plan.
- Taking draft plans to Panel for agreement and actioning the Panel’s decisions to ensure the Plan is finalised by Week 20.
- Attending Annual Review meetings, advising families and schools on processes, undertaking action requested at the Annual Review such as change of placement requests and funding requests, sending local authority decision letters and updating the EHCP, if necessary, within the statutory timeframe.
- Consulting for placements following change of placement requests or placement breakdown.
- Attending Child Protection (CPP), Child in Need (CIN), Team Around the Child (TAC) and/or professionals’ meetings and referring cases to other services as necessary.
- Signposting to support additional needs.
- Working with legal colleagues on tribunal cases.
How has SEND provision changed over the past 12 months and where do you see it heading in 2025?
There has been an increase in the number of needs assessments being requested of the local authority due to the rise in the number of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges and the number of diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The waiting time for diagnoses is nearly 24 months at present.
I’ve worked in SEN for four years and haven’t seen major legislative changes during this time. I keep up to date with changes in legislation through reading national press, following professionals on LinkedIn, workplace training and liaising with colleagues.
The 2025 Labour government hopes to introduce several educational and SEND reforms. Do you think Labour will have an impact on the challenges local authorities face?
I am hopeful that the current labour government’s proposed reforms will have a positive impact on SEN provision. Proposals to reduce the bureaucracy and increase flexibility around SEN would hopefully address the bottleneck around the annual review process, with most local authorities not meeting statutory deadlines/timescales.
The proposed changes involve setting national standards, simplifying Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and establishing local inclusion plans. I believe clearer guidance and support and a national EHCP template would help practically with students moving to new local authority areas.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role? Can you share a moment in your role that felt particularly rewarding?
There are several things about my role that I find rewarding such as having good relationships with schools and the teamwork involved. I have never valued my team as much as I do working in SEND. My colleagues are a mine of information, experience and good humour and we have each other's backs.
Finding a school placement for a child is so fulfilling and makes the secondary transition process satisfying. Parents appreciate the work that goes into SEN case work and I’m always happy to receive messages of thanks or gratitude for the work that I do. It’s so rewarding to hear from parents that their child is excited to attend a school that meets their needs and knowing I have helped make that possible.
What challenges do you believe councils and the SEND sector will face with the new labour government?
I wonder where the funding for any changes will come from and whether deficits will be cancelled. With capacity issues for SEND Case Officers, caseloads are unworkable and funding is necessary.
I think it’s important to agree on a way forward with the various interest groups from parents and carers to schools and local authorities.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your SEND career?
The lack of special school placements and the shortage of Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists working with children and young people has been challenging.
Another challenge is the local authority funding pressures, the high fees independent private schools charge local authorities and the rising cost of transport mean spiralling expenses.
What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learnt in my career is the importance of open, honest and transparent communications with all parties and the importance of managing expectations.
What’s your vision for the future of SEND services and what changes would you like to see in 2025?
I would like to see more local/in-borough specialist provisions being built and for the terms and conditions of teaching staff to be improved to encourage students and graduates to work in the education sector. I think qualified Teachers need to be incentivised to stay within the profession and given better opportunities to thrive and grow.
I also think that by abolishing the schools academy structure and culture where superheads and overheads divert substantial amounts of funding, we can ensure that schools are better resourced, with improved staffing and high-quality materials.
What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?
My advice would be to get a qualification in SEN, build a strong supportive network and think carefully before committing to working in this rewarding sector.
SCG educational psychology report
As specialists in SEND recruitment, we work alongside hundreds of Educational Psychologists throughout the UK and are mindful of the challenges they face in their ever evolving role.
After commissioning our own research from Educational Psychologists in both local authorities and private practice, we published the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024.
The report delves into trends within educational psychology, funding and resources, industry challenges, policies and legislation and the future of educational psychology.
Read the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024 here.
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 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
