SEND Early Years Adviser

Do you want to make a lasting difference to the lives of young children with SEND and their families? If you are passionate about inclusion, creative in your thinking and committed to improving outcomes for children, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As part of our specialist SEND Early Years Service, you will support Foundation Stage children with special educational needs, disabilities and complex medical needs to access high-quality early education. You will provide advice, guidance and practical support to early years settings, helping them implement effective interventions and inclusive strategies. Working collaboratively with families, schools, early years providers and partner agencies, you will play a key role in building capacity across the sector and improving outcomes for children across home, preschool and school environments.

We are seeking a qualified teacher (QTS or EYTS) with recent experience of supporting children aged 0-5 with a range of complex SEND and/or medical needs. You will be committed to securing the very best outcomes for young children and promoting inclusive practice across East Sussex. 

We are looking for candidates who:

• Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
• Have experience of teaching children with SEND and working alongside families
• Have knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development
• Understand current SEND legislation and best practice
• Can build effective relationships and work confidently across multi-agency partnerships

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information. 

To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button and submit your CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

Why Join Us?

The SEND Early Years Service is a highly regarded countywide specialist service within the East Sussex Education Division. This is an opportunity to join a supportive and experienced team that is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for young children with SEND.

You will receive a comprehensive induction programme, high-quality supervision, opportunities for professional development, regular case discussion and strong peer support. The role offers a varied and rewarding opportunity to influence practice across a wide range of early years settings and schools. The post is based in Lewes, although travel across East Sussex will be required according to service need.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce, including:

• Men
• People from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds
• Disabled people
• People who identify as LGBTQ+

We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jake Perry, Service Manager, SEND Early Years Service, on 07525 387 496. 

"I joined East Sussex after a 30-year career in teaching and education. I really wanted the opportunity to use the experience I'd gained throughout my career to help a wider range of people." - Emma, Early Years Support and Intervention Officer. 

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.