Remote Working - SEND Consultant - Swindon

Salary: £325 Per Day
Hours: 37 Hours
Working Schedule: Monday to Friday
Contract Length: 3 Month Contract
Location: Civic Campus Swindon, SN1 2JG

Job Details

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced SEND Consultant to lead the rigorous testing of a proposed financial banding framework and to design a clear, robust, and transparent cost library for specialist cprovision.

The role will ensure decisions are fair, evidence-based, and financially accurate.

The consultant will also consider the implications of the new Schools White Paper and ensure that the banding work is aligned with upcoming national SEND reforms, supporting a smooth transition.

The successful candidate will work independently and bring significant local authority and school-based SEND experience, supported by strong analytical, data, and reporting skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Banding Framework Testing

Conduct systematic testing of the proposed SEND banding framework.

Use real case examples and scenario modelling to check fairness, accuracy, and consistency.

Identify gaps or risks and propose practical adjustments.

Ensure the model reflects needs across mainstream, specialist, and post-16 settings.

2. Development of a Transparent Cost Library

Design a clear, evidence-based cost library to support financial banding decisions.

Analyse data from schools, settings, finance teams, and national benchmarks.

Ensure assumptions are transparent, accurate, and easy to maintain.

Provide clear rationales for all cost calculations.

3. Alignment with National SEND Reforms

Consider the requirements of the new Schools White Paper.

Ensure the banding framework and cost library are compatible with future SEND reforms.

Identify required adjustments and propose a practical transition approach.

4. Data Analysis & Reporting

Produce high-quality reports summarising findings, methodology, and recommendations.

Present data clearly for senior leaders and schools.

Use strong analytical skills to model financial impact and validate assumptions.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

Work with local authority officers, SENCOs, headteachers, and finance colleagues to gather insight and test proposals.

Support understanding and adoption of the banding model.

Present findings to SEND and finance governance groups.

Essential Experience & Skills

Experience

Significant experience working in a local authority SEND service.

Strong experience working with schools and understanding operational SEND practice.

Proven ability to deliver complex work independently.

Experience writing high-quality professional reports.

Skills & Competencies

Excellent analytical and data-handling skills.

Strong written communication and ability to translate technical issues clearly.

Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.

In-depth understanding of statutory SEND processes.

Ability to interpret national reforms and translate them into practical local actions.

Desirable

Experience designing or testing SEND banding models.

Familiarity with the Schools White Paper and national SEND funding reforms.

Experience with cost-modelling or resource allocation tools