Education Access Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Countywide - Hybrid
• Salary: 40777 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 29.6 hours per week flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for up to 12 months

As a modern flexible and effective organisation were driven to make a positive difference to the environment the communities we serve and the careers of our people. Thats why when you join us as an Education Access Officer youll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established team as an Education Access Officer working across Suffolk to strengthen our systemwide response to children and young people who are at risk of or already experiencing reduced access to education.

Within this role you will:

• Promote inclusive practice across the education system and partner organisations.
• Identify barriers to education and ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time.
• Work in a solutionfocused way with children young people and families at the centre.
• Challenge and support education providers to meet individual needs and improve outcomes.
• Support children and young people through their education pathway and/or SEND journey.
• Contribute to the Local Authority response for children at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded.
• Build strong working relationships with professionals parents/carers and Local Authority colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear reports for a range of audiences.

You will need

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience of working within an education setting (or equivalent) with evidence of inclusive practice that delivers positive outcomes.
• Proven experience of working successfully with children young people and families.
• A strong commitment to social inclusion equality and diversity.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
• To be resilient selfmotivated creative and flexible.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word).If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Education Access Team works collaboratively with internal services and external partners to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes for children young people and their families. We support those who for a range of reasons are out of education and therefore at risk of nonparticipation disengagement and underachievement.

The Education Access Officer is a schoolfacing role that supports children and young people who are unable to access fulltime education due to permanent exclusion or who are at risk of exclusion. The role works closely with schools and academies supporting them to focus on the individual needs of the child or young person and ensure the right support is in place.

Where required we provide direct support and guidance to schools to help prevent permanent exclusions. This includes discussions around alternatives to exclusion use of the Local Offer alternative provision outreach support and signposting to appropriate services. A multiagency approach is taken when identifying next steps and recommending pathways to support each child or young persons education journey.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in ourWorkforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Maria Hough (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing

Alternatively please contact Deb Chandler (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling or emailing

If you want to apply for a secondment read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template (Word).

1. Do you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
2. Give an example of how you have promoted inclusive practice within an education setting or across partner organisations. What impact did this have
3. Tell us about a situation where you provided both challenge and support to a school or professional colleague to ensure a child or young persons needs were being met.
4. Tell us about a time you supported a child or young person who was at risk of exclusion or had been permanently excluded. What was your role and what was the outcome
5. Describe a situation where you had to manage risk or safeguarding concerns. How did you identify the risk and what actions did you take

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills experience and ideas. If used inappropriately your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand whats acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at or. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date:11.30pm 18 May 2026.

Interview date: Thursday 28 May

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid