Student Support Services Adviser ESF Centre

The Adviser Student Support Services champions ESFs Vision 2030 by advancing Belonging Engagement and Personalisation across all ESF kindergartens and primary schools.

Working as part of the Student Support Services team the Adviser builds system capacity to ensure inclusive neuro-affirming and high-quality learning environments where all students can access participate and thrive. The role partners closely with school leaders and learning diversity teams to strengthen inclusive cultures effective tiered systems of support and sustainable practices from Kindergarten to Year 6.

The Adviser contributes strategically to the ongoing evolution of ESFs inclusion framework ensuring alignment between policy moderation processes funding models and school practice.

Key Responsibilities

System Leadership and Strategy:

• Contribute to the strategic development implementation and review of ESF policies and procedures related to inclusion learning diversity student support and wellbeing from Kindergarten to Year 13.
• Contribute to the continued evolution of ESFs inclusive education model in line with Vision 2030 the ESF Early Years Strategy and Inclusion Evolution priorities.
• Prepare reports briefings and strategic communications for the Head of Education Student Support and ESF Senior Management as required.
  

School Partnership and Capacity Building:

• Develop strong trust-based partnerships with ESF schools and kindergartens to build leadership capacity in inclusive practice and tiered systems of support.
• Advise and support schools in designing and implementing personalised learning approaches including Universal Design for Learning differentiated curriculum pathways and evidence-informed interventions.
• Provide consultative support to schools in planning for students requiring additional support promoting inclusion within mainstream environments wherever possible.
• Contribute to the implementation and ongoing refinement of ESFs internal moderation processes for Levels of Adjustment supporting schools to apply descriptors and guidance consistently transparently and with professional integrity.
• Support schools to align practice with ESF policy expectations and inclusive language commitments.

Transition and Placement:

• Support and strengthen system-wide transition processes particularly K2 to Year 1 and Year 6 to Year 7 ensuring clarity equity and alignment with the associated school model.
• Support the implementation of Enhanced Transition Plans in collaboration with schools and families.
• Work collaboratively across schools to support appropriate placement decisions and successful transitions grounded in ESFs inclusive values.

Professional Learning and Network Leadership:

• Co-facilitate the Learning Diversity Network across ESF and lead associated working groups.
• Design and deliver professional learning aligned with Vision 2030 and Inclusion Evolution priorities.
• Lead projects and initiatives that strengthen inclusive school cultures and advance evidence-informed practice.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as a key liaison between schools and the Head of Education Student Support.
• Build effective working relationships across schools central teams and external partners where relevant.
• Communicate complex policy developments and system changes clearly sensitively and transparently.
  
  

Requirements

• Recognised teaching qualification with successful school-based experience in Kindergarten and/or Primary.
• An additional qualification in special education inclusive education learning diversity or a related field is highly desirable.
• Minimum of four years experience leading inclusive education special education or student support provision within a Kindergarten and/or Primary setting.
• Demonstrated experience in system improvement policy implementation or leading change initiatives is desirable.
  

• Inclusive education philosophy and contemporary practice
• Tiered systems of support and personalised learning frameworks
• Curriculum accommodations and differentiated pathways
• Student wellbeing safeguarding and child protection frameworks
  

• Strategic planning and implementation
• Development implementation and monitoring of system-wide processes
• Facilitation of professional learning and effective meetings
• Data-informed decision making and record management
• Navigating complexity and leading change across multiple stakeholders
  

Demonstrates the ability to:

• Advance inclusive education with moral purpose and professional integrity.
• Build relationships founded on trust respect and collaboration.
• Work effectively with diverse stakeholders across schools and central teams.
• Listen thoughtfully and respond with clarity and confidence.
• Balance professional challenge with relational sensitivity.
• Manage and resolve conflict constructively.
• Remain positive proactive and strategic in complex and evolving contexts.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles head of department etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age race colour gender marital status sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy national origin religion veteran status physical or mental disability genetic information creed citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESFs Personal Data Policy a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices with all appointments contingent upon an interview identity verification criminal background checks (including ICPC SCRC and other international background checks as appropriate) assessment of social media presence and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.