becoming and advisory teacher?

[SENDCo]

Hello

I have 7 years experience in the classroom (SEN) and considering applying for advisory teacher roles (looking for a better work life balance but also a new challenge if that makes sense). Anyone made this change? Does anyone have experience of what it's like to move to an advisory role?

I moved from being a HoD in a PRU to become an advisory teacher for LAC six and a half years ago. It was the best decision I ever made.

I was part time whilst the children were very small and have worked in four different authorities; am currently full time and deputy head of the Virtual School for LAC.

It feels like a leap at first, and you have to make sure you source and go on training to keep your skills fresh and deepen your specialist knowledge, but it's a fantastic role.

Unfortunately in the current political and economic climate, advisory roles are hard to come by and are not secure as they are very vulnerable to being cut. Virtual Head for LAC is a statutory role, so I'm working towards that as I value the security... but the rules can change at any minute.

Despite the above, I would urge you to do it. It really does take your career up a level in your area of interest. What kind of advisory role are you looking for? Do you know where to look (not always the TES)?

Thank you so much Tethersend. Sounds really interesting! I'm attracted to the idea about becoming more specialised....
I was considering the EYFS SENDCo advisory roles, general inclusion or a sensory speacialist. Any thoughts?
I know what you mean about security and agree that the rules are changing all the time, in all areas of education.

Ps yes would love to know where the jobs are advertised!

They are advertised on our local council website i.e. not the teacher website.

In our authority there have been recruitment freezes for years. The teams have shrunk beyond reasonable limits, so - not only are they not employing anyone, but the role is very different, and very frustrating.

Thank you. Food for thought!

I wouldn't personally. I love being based in one school where I can actually make sure my team are great and that the children get the best service because I am there with them all the time.

I was recently at a lecture given by a member of the autism outreach team for Birmingham and their job just sounds so soulless now. All paperwork based now because their caseloads are massive. The 'smile and nod and then do nothing' situation I'm sure you would meet would also drive me mad.

Have you considered running additionally resourced provision? Then you get to stay put and the children come to you.

Thank you! Interesting ideas

Yes, local council websites good- also keep an eye on jobsgopublic.

Thank you Tethersend.
What experience do you think is needed for a LAC advisory teacher and are the roles still out there? Was DT for 4 years.

Thanks again for all the support and advice

I would have said, ideally, a good long period of work in a PRU or SEMH Special and additional qualifications in SEMH/ attachment/ trauma etc. You need to walk beside the children for a long time before you can tell anyone else how to do it.

Oh oh me!
I recently moved into an advisory role after having worked in specialist provisions for 23 years and
I absolutely love it.

i visit homes, pre, primary and secondary schools and run a fortnightly preschool/ parent support group. Also attend multidisciplinary clinics and am involved in staff training . The work is so varied every day is different.

I am employed by a council, not an LEA but am on teachers' pay and conditions so still get all the holidays.

It's so liberating not to have a headteacher who knows fuck all about my specialism as a boss.

I have a huge case load but with careful organisation it's totally doable. I don't dread work any more and don't have a tremendous amount of work to take home and when I do I don't just don't seem to resent it.

Best thing- no lesson planning or pointless staff meetings to attend and I can just get on with the job. I love the autonomy!

Thank you for the advice!
Congratulations PurpleAlerts!! Well done you

I find it interesting OP that you would like a specialist advisory role, but you are not sure what you would specialise in? Surely people who go into advisory jobs have mostly worked in that particular field for some time already and therefore which role is not a question.

Do you work in a special school? If so, I can see that you might have first hand experience of a range of significant needs.

I might be wrong- to be fair some of the advice I've seen dished out has been crap limited enough to suggest I am. I read a lot of advisory reports that come with my pupils and honestly some of the clap-trap has been astounding.

Both Tethers and Purple have worked in special/ist before going advisory. If you are currently in mainstream I would look to do this first.

Yea you wouldn't get a job in my field without firstly having a specific post graduate qualification (two year part time course- big commitment) and then considerable experience in the field.

Thank you :-)