Specialist Advisory Teacher Cognition, Learning and Down Syndrome

About Us

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxfordshire County Council are transforming support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are building a team of health and education professionals (Experts at Hand) to provide earlier intervention and stronger inclusion in schools settings, providing practical support where it is needed, and helping children and young people receive the right support, at the right time.

By sharing your expertise and working collaboratively with colleagues across organisations, you'll play a key role in improving outcomes for children, families, and schools across Oxfordshire.

As part of our Experts at Hand programme, you'll join a growing community of specialists dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Working across education, health and care, we are creating more connected, responsive services that help children and young people access support earlier, whilst building confidence, skills and inclusive practice within schools and settings.

The Cognition, Learning and Down Syndrome team is part of the SEND and Inclusion Support Services (SENDISS) and works alongside mainstream schools and settings to help remove barriers to learning, strengthen inclusion and support children and young people to participate, achieve and develop confidence and independence.

As a Specialist Advisory Teacher in the Cognition, Learning and Down Syndrome team in SENDISS, you will be a valued member of a specialist team supporting children and young people with cognition and learning needs and/or Down Syndrome across mainstream schools, educational settings and the wider community. Through specialist assessment, advice, teaching and training, you will help children and young people access learning, develop independence and achieve their potential.

This is a varied and highly rewarding role where you'll work directly with children and young people, families, schools and professional partners to identify strengths, understand barriers and develop effective approaches that support learning and inclusion. You will hold a caseload of children and young people, providing specialist advice and guidance that helps schools and settings create environments where children can participate fully and succeed.

A key part of the role involves empowering others. You will work closely with school staff, SENDCOs and families, helping to build confidence and capability through coaching, modelling and training. By translating specialist knowledge into practical strategies, you will help schools develop inclusive approaches that support children and young people both academically and socially.

You will contribute to statutory processes, produce high-quality written reports and work collaboratively with a range of multi-agency partners to ensure children and families receive joined-up support. Through your expertise, you will help children and young people develop independence, decision-making skills and self-advocacy, enabling them to become active participants in their own learning and development.

No two days will be the same. One day you may be carrying out specialist assessments and working directly with a child, while the next could involve delivering training, supporting school staff, contributing to multi-agency planning or helping families navigate support pathways. Throughout everything you do, you will be helping children and young people overcome barriers and access the opportunities they deserve.

This permanent role will include regular travel to schools, settings and community locations across Oxfordshire. An enhanced DBS check, including a check of the Children's Barred List, is required.