Salary: £49,897 – £54,398 a year
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
The Inclusion Officer champions the needs of vulnerable children and young people of compulsory school age who are at risk of disengagement from education due to complex, severe, social, emotional, mental health (SEMH), behavioural, or learning needs. Working collaboratively with schools, families, partner agencies, and the Local Authority, the role promotes inclusive practices that enable all pupils to access appropriate education, achieve positive outcomes, and remain engaged in learning.
The role involves providing expert advice, support, challenge, and quality assurance to schools to ensure statutory responsibilities are met and effective provision is in place for pupils at risk of exclusion. It includes supporting the development and monitoring of individual pupil plans, Early Help Assessments, Pastoral Support Plans, managed moves, and transition arrangements, while assisting schools in implementing evidence-based strategies to improve attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, and educational attainment.
A key aspect of the role is strengthening schools’ capacity to meet diverse needs through training, workforce development, behaviour audits, and the promotion of therapeutic and inclusive approaches aligned with local SEMH and Inclusion Strategies. The Inclusion Officer also works closely with alternative provision providers, social care, early help services, and other professionals to coordinate support, identify barriers to learning, and secure appropriate interventions.
In addition, the role provides guidance on fixed-term and permanent exclusions, represents the Local Authority at disciplinary hearings and review panels, and contributes to strategic initiatives aimed at reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. Through direct work with children, young people, and families, the Inclusion Officer supports the development of tailored solutions that promote successful participation, wellbeing, and long-term educational success.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
The successful candidate is a qualified and experienced education professional with a strong commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. They have substantial experience working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those facing significant social, emotional, behavioural, and family challenges. They are skilled at engaging children, young people, and families who may be reluctant to access support, and are able to build positive relationships that enable meaningful change.
They have a proven track record of developing and delivering high-quality training, coaching, and support to educational professionals, helping to build confidence, knowledge, and inclusive practice across schools. Their experience of working in partnership with a wide range of agencies, including education, social care, health, and early help services, enables them to safeguard children effectively, coordinate support, and contribute to solutions for complex issues.
They possess excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills, alongside the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate written reports, assessments, and recommendations. They are highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, and confident in making timely decisions, particularly in relation to safeguarding concerns.
They have experience contributing to the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and initiatives that improve educational outcomes for vulnerable, underachieving, and hard-to-reach groups. Their knowledge of equality legislation and inclusive practice ensures that fairness, diversity, and accessibility are embedded within all aspects of service delivery.
They bring a comprehensive understanding of statutory guidance relating to exclusions, alternative provision, attendance, and children unable to attend school for medical reasons, alongside a sound understanding of the SEND Code of Practice. Experience of working with Alternative Education Providers and supporting multi-agency approaches to inclusion is highly relevant.
As a collaborative and reflective practitioner, they work effectively both independently and as part of a team. They are proficient in the use of IT systems, databases, spreadsheets, and reporting tools, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. They hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are able to travel across the borough as required to support schools, families, and partner agencies.
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
– From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
– Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
– Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
– Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 per cent (at April 2026) and 3x salary death in service grant
– Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
– Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
– Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
– Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
– Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
– Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply’ page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply
