Availability Details
Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and will require a few hours a week depending on availability. There can be reduced events during school holidays.
Venue Address
United Kingdom
As a Special Educational Needs Champion, you will play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and families to understand and navigate the SEND system. You will promote SENDIASS and its services at events, provide clear, impartial information about SEND processes at coffee mornings, and building positive relationships with partner organisations. You will support parents and carers to complete forms such as requests for statutory assessment and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and liaising with schools, colleges, and other professionals. You may also support families to prepare for and attend meetings, including visits to prospective educational settings.
In addition, you will offer empathetic, impartial emotional support while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. You will help families access local resources, activities, and community groups, and signpost them to relevant services where needed. The role also involves promoting SENDIASS at events and coffee mornings, and building positive relationships with partner organisations.
This is a predominantly remote role, with opportunities to attend in-person events and activities across Gateshead. A minimum commitment of six months is required to ensure consistency for the families we support.
Please follow the link to apply: https://gatesheadsendiass.org.uk/join-us.php
Skills needed
You should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively. Empathy, patience, and a non-judgemental approach are key, as well as the ability to build trust and maintain appropriate boundaries. Basic administrative skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are also important.
Benefits for the Volunteer
Volunteering as a Special Educational Needs Champion offers valuable experience within the SEND sector, alongside opportunities for training and personal development. You will gain practical skills, expand your knowledge, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families.
Travel expenses for attending in-person events and activities will be reimbursed. While access to personal transport is advantageous due to activities taking place across Gateshead, it is not essential.
