Role Summary & Benefits

Fixed term for 12 months
Full Time 37 hours per week
 
The Inclusion Partner will drive inclusive practices and improve outcomes for children and young people by collaborating with schools, settings, families, and partner agencies. The role focuses on building inclusive communities, influencing positive change in educational practices, and fostering long-term success for children and young people within a locality. 
 
We are recruiting for 2 Inclusion Partners:

• Exeter and East – based at County Hall, Exeter, 12 month fixed term contract to cover a maternity leave.
• South and West – based at Follaton House, Totnes, 12 month fixed term contract, to cover an internal secondment.

Inclusion partners will:

• Ensure every child and young person can access learning and participate fully in educational settings, breaking down barriers related to SEND, attendance, and exclusion.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver integrated, tailored support that empowers schools and families to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Assist in implementing and upholding statutory responsibilities related to SEND, inclusion, and attendance, ensuring compliance and positive impact.

Candidates will have:

• Demonstrated success in influencing change within educational settings to promote inclusion and achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships and effectively influence senior leaders, driving meaningful and sustainable improvements.
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas:

o Inclusion.

o SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

o Attendance.

o Health and wellbeing.
 
The council seeks candidates with complementary skills and experiences to ensure that schools and settings within the locality have access to a broad spectrum of specialist knowledge and expertise.
 
Main duties and responsibilities:

• Accountable as the link Inclusion Partner for specific schools, settings, colleges within a locality area to review, assess and improve practice around SEND and Inclusion with the intention to improve outcomes for all CYP, including those with SEND and from vulnerable groups.
• Assist the council in fulfilling its legal obligations, particularly statutory duties related to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), attendance, and exclusions.
• Influence and collaborate with senior leaders within educational settings to adopt and embed inclusive practices and remove barriers to learning, attendance, and participation including the implementation of Devon’s ordinarily available inclusive provision.
• Work strategically with schools, settings and colleges, influencing leaders to evaluate the existing offer and build capacity through coaching, training and development.
• Responsible for supporting the delivery of school/setting led inclusive practice, including peer to peer development, within the locality including dissemination of up-to-date specialist knowledge in an area/s of Inclusion or SEND. Evaluating the impact of initiatives to learn from both success and understand setbacks.
• Responsible for providing high quality professional education advice based on area/s of expertise. There will be a complimentary skill set across the locality team so that schools can access a broad spectrum of specialist knowledge and expertise.
• Support schools to ensure a continuum of provision for all children and young people so that barriers to learning, inclusion and attendance can be removed and there is a robust graduated approach to support
• Provide expert consultation and advice around individual children whilst balancing this with a focus on whole school improvement.
• Responsible for identifying and deploying targeted support within schools, settings, colleges and with families, to improve the inclusion, successful transition and/or access to learning. Ensure maximum impact of interventions and the efficient and impactful use of resources through effective monitoring and evaluation.
• Working in collaboration with internal and external partners to manage complex situations to maintain sustainability of placements, resolve breakdowns and prevent exclusions, including responding to and resolving complaints

Interview Date: Wednesday 21^st October 2026.
 
For an informal discussion please contact Hannah Chamings Hannah.chamings@devon.gov.uk.
 
How to apply
 
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed. 
 
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.  

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. 
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working– The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.  
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. 
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. 
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

 Please apply by 10am on the closing date

Key Responsibilities