Education Advocate

Position Title: Education Advocate

Location: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub, Cheshire (with travel to schools and settings as required)

Reports To: Education Manager

Employment Type: 12-21 hours per week, term time only,12 months Fixed Term Contract

Salary: £27,261,78 - £29,610 FTE depending on experience

About Us

Down Syndrome Cheshire is a dynamic and dedicated charity focused on empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing vital support, resources, and advocacy. We work to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome can access services that promote independence, inclusion, and fulfilling lives.

As part of our education offer, we work closely with families, schools, and local authorities to improve educational outcomes and inclusion for children and young people with Down syndrome across Cheshire.

Role Overview

The Education Advocate plays a crucial role in Down Syndrome Cheshire's mission by providing specialist educational support for children and young people with Down syndrome.

The role focuses on:

• advocating for children within education systems
• supporting families to navigate SEND processes
• working directly with schools and professionals
• contributing to training, resource development, and community engagement

The postholder will collaborate with schools, local authorities, families, and other stakeholders to ensure that the learning needs of children with Down syndrome are recognised, understood, and effectively supported.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy and Family Support

• Work closely with families to understand their child's needs, strengths, and challenges within education.
• Support families in meetings with schools and local authorities, including annual reviews and key transitions.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children and young people with Down syndrome within education settings.
• Provide guidance to families on SEND processes, including EHCPs and school-based support.

Speech and Language (SALT) Advocacy and Support

• Identify children whose communication needs are not being adequately supported in their current educational setting or EHCP.
• Signpost children to DSC's outreach Speech and Language Therapist where appropriate.
• Contribute to RAG rating (Red/Amber/Green) of children based on urgency and severity of need; final decisions will be signed off by the Education Manager.
• Provide practical advice and guidance to parents and school staff on implementing speech and language targets set by a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Help ensure that children identified as needing support are able to access it as effectively as possible.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver specialist training for educational staff on:
• the learning profile of children with Down syndrome
• effective strategies in areas such as literacy, numeracy, communication, and behaviour
• Plan and facilitate cluster training sessions (online and in-person) for groups of schools and professionals.
• Keep training materials up to date, evidence-based, and aligned with best practice and (where relevant) accreditation standards.

Classroom Observations and Reporting

• Conduct visits to educational settings to observe children with Down syndrome and the wider learning environment.
• Undertake both general observations and targeted visits (e.g. focused on reading, behaviour, or communication).
• Produce clear, comprehensive written reports after each visit, summarising findings, recommendations, and agreed actions.
• Ensure reports support annual reviews, EHCP processes, and school improvement work, and align with relevant educational standards.

Resource Development and Remote Support

• Design and share educational resources tailored to the learning profile of children with Down syndrome (e.g. visual supports, Makaton-based materials, targeted activities).
• Respond to requests for remote support from schools via email, phone, or online platforms (e.g. Zoom).
• Provide practical strategies for adapting teaching and the classroom environment.

Community Engagement

• Attend and contribute to DSC community activities (e.g. "Cheeky Monkeys" and other family sessions).
• Build positive relationships with parents, carers, and children, promoting trust and engagement with DSC services.
• Promote DSC's education offer and support within the wider community.

Collaboration and Networking

• Work collaboratively with Local Education Authorities (LEAs), schools, and other organisations to promote good practice in supporting children with Down syndrome.
• Facilitate constructive meetings between parents and school/LA representatives to agree support plans and next steps.
• Work as part of the DSC Education Team, sharing case studies, learning, and resources with other Education Advocates.
• Actively contribute to knowledge-sharing and consistency of approach across DSC's education services.

Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of:
• visits, meetings, and observations
• training sessions delivered
• advice given to families and schools
• Collect data, case studies, and feedback (including monitoring and evaluation questionnaires) from parents and school staff.
• Provide information needed for reporting to funders, senior leadership, and trustees.
• Support the development of promotional materials for education initiatives and training programmes.

Media, Communication & Representation

• Represent DSC at external meetings, events, and networks related to education and SEND.
• Help promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome through presentations and outreach.
• Contribute to raising the profile of DSC's education services with local schools, settings, and professionals.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role as required by the Education Manager or CEO.

Person Specification

Education and Experience

• Experience of working in or with schools, colleges, or early years settings (e.g. teacher, TA, SENCO, advisory role, therapist) – or equivalent experience in SEND/education.
• Knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly relating to children with learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting or advocating for children, young people, or families within education systems.
• Experience of working collaboratively with families and professionals (e.g. teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists, therapists).
• Experience of delivering training or workshops to education staff (desirable).
• Knowledge/experience of working with children or young people with Down syndrome (desirable).

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to explain information clearly to families and professionals.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with parents, schools, and professionals.
• Confident in observing classroom practice and providing constructive, practical feedback.
• Good organisational skills, able to manage a caseload and prioritise competing demands.
• Competent IT user, including Microsoft 365 and online meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom or Teams).
• Ability to produce clear, professional reports and training materials.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to the values of Down Syndrome Cheshire – inclusion, respect, empowerment, and compassion.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to travel across Cheshire as required.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Why Join Us?

As an Education Advocate at Down Syndrome Cheshire, you will have the opportunity to make a direct and lasting difference in the lives of children with Down syndrome and their families. You will:

• work alongside a passionate, specialist team
• influence educational practice across Cheshire
• empower families to advocate for their children
• help create more inclusive, understanding school environments

If you care deeply about inclusion, education, and making systems work better for children with Down syndrome, this is an incredibly rewarding role.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to

Closing Date: Please submit your application by Friday 16th January 5pm.

Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the week of Monday 26th January. This will include a task and presentation, which will be shared in advance.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £27,261.00-£29,610.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexitime

Experience:

• working with people with a disability: 2 years (required)
• Classroom: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person