Project Officer - Best Start Inclusion Team: SEND Early Years Service

Do you have organisational skills, enjoy working collaboratively and are passionate about making a difference for children and families? If so, then we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking a motivated and highly organised Project Officer to support the development and delivery of the Best Start Inclusion Team within the SEND Early Years Service.

This exciting role will work closely with the Service Manager and Team Leader to coordinate and support a wide range of project activity aimed at improving inclusion for young children with special educational needs and disabilities. You will play a key role in managing project processes, monitoring progress, coordinating communications, supporting stakeholder engagement and producing high-quality reports and performance information. The role offers the opportunity to work with colleagues across education, health, social care and community services to support collaborative approaches and drive positive change.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience of project management or project support.
• Can organise and prioritise a varied workload to meet deadlines.
• Have communication skills and can adapt messages for different audiences.
• Can analyse data and produce clear, accessible reports and management information.
• Have knowledge of SEND legislation, inclusion and early years priorities.

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

To apply for this role, please click the 'Apply Now' button above to 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, voluntary, educational or personal experience.

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 Friday 13 November 2026.

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

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to help develop and support an innovative new area of the SEND Early Years Service. The Best Start Inclusion Team is focused on strengthening inclusive practice across early years provision and ensuring children with SEND receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.

You will join a supportive and collaborative team committed to improving outcomes for children and families. The role offers significant opportunities to work across services and partner agencies, influence service development, and contribute to evidence-based improvements across East Sussex.

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.

If you have any questions about building accessibility for this role, please contact the hiring manager.

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.

"The best thing about working for East Sussex is knowing every person who works here cares about our residents and wants to achieve the best outcomes for them." - Casey, Project Officer.

For collaboration, not competition. Choose East Sussex!