What is a SEND Case Officer?

A SEND Case Officer manages and coordinates the support required for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A SEND Case Officer serves as the main point of contact for children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and their families. They must ensure that EHCPs are customised to meet individual needs and kept current to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.

A SEND Case Officer typically operates within a local authority and must communicate effectively with parents, schools, and other health professionals, including EHCP Coordinators and SENCOs. A SEND Case Officer will collaborate with SEND Team Managers to deliver thorough case management, ensuring the local authority's SEND service operates effectively.

A SEND Case Officer must complete administrative tasks in line with relevant laws and within the designated time frame. They must meet legal requirements, conduct comprehensive assessments, and oversee the social and educational development of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SEND Case Officers are responsible for monitoring and reviewing cases and being a consistent point of contact for children, young people, and their families throughout the EHCP process.

A SEND Case Officers responsibilities might include:

• Establish a well-structured casework system that delivers effective support to foster strong and resilient children, young people, and families.
• Undertake all statutory administration processes linked to the Education, Health and Care Plan legislation. This must be in accordance with The Children and Families Act (2014) and the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
• Foster strong relationships with all stakeholders, including the child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their family, schools, education officials, and health and social services. 
• Correlate the necessary and statutory documents which relate to the EHCP of a child or young person with SEND. This will include data and financial details connected to the case. 
• Support phase transfers and complete the annual review process in accordance with legislation and timeframes. 
• Challenge providers when preferred outcomes are not met. A SEND Case Officer must work with relevant services when intervention is necessary. 
• Record, track and monitor how the local authority operates in relation to technology and the case management system. An excellent SEND Case Officer will advocate for effective technology use to ensure proper management of performance and business intelligence.
• Ensure suitable educational provision and school placements for children and young people with an EHCP are provided. A good SEND Case Officer will have a strong focus on accountability for outcomes.
• Empower the child or young person and their family to make informed decisions and, when appropriate, effectively use their personal budget.
• Ensure assessments and EHCPs are issued (including all correct and necessary documentation) within the required timescale. 
• Ensure that draft EHCPs are taken through the appropriate decision making process. During the process, the allocation of resources (including personal budgets) should be agreed within accordance to guidelines. 
• Work closely with SEND Team Managers and Senior SEND Practitioners to ensure comprehensive preparation and efficient follow-up for local authority cases involving SEND Tribunals. A SEND Case Officer must also ensure any directions or actions are met within statutory timeframes.

As a SEND Case Officer, you need a blend of education, experience, and a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with special educational needs. While there are no specific qualifications for this role, a degree in a relevant field - such as education, social work, or psychology - is typically required and can be advantageous.

The specific qualifications and skills needed to work as a SEND Case Officer can differ based on the employer. Many local authorities look for demonstrable experience of working with SEND children. Experience can be gained through schools, local authorities, or healthcare settings. 

Some SEND Case Officer positions might also require further training in EHCP management or SEND legislation.

The average salary for a SEND Case Officer in the UK is around £29,000 to £35,000 per year. However, this can fluctuate depending on where a SEND Case Officer is located and what level of expertise they have. For example, due to the higher cost of living, SEND Case Officers in London can expect to earn between £34,000 to £40,000 per year.

Some SEND Case Officer positions may provide extra benefits, including pension plans or paid leave. These details are typically outlined in the job description and might depend on whether an employer operates in the public or private sector.

SEND Case Officers who work on an interim basis can expect to earn between £300 - £320 per day. 

SEND Case Officers are generally employed within the public sector at local authorities throughout the UK. They work for the local authorities Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service to ensure the efficient management of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and to provide the necessary support for children and young people with SEND.

In some instances, a SEND Case Officer may work for a private organisation, but they typically work for public services.

The role of a SEND Case Officer is both rewarding and provides ample opportunities for career growth in the SEND sector. With the right experience and skills, SEND Case Officers can work their way up to a senior or managerial role. A position at this level can include a SEND Team Manager. SEND Team Managers are responsible for leading a local authority team and overseeing SEND provision. 

A SEND Case Officer can leverage their expertise in other areas of SEND such as policy development and senior advisory positions. SEND Case Officers might consider applying for the role of SEND Tribunal Officer or SENDIASS Officer. Both positions require similar skills, enabling SEND professionals to leverage their expertise in different areas.