Bedford Borough is delivering an ambitious programme of SEND transformation, working with families, schools and partners across education, health and care to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable Parent Carer Navigator to provide early information, advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND aged 0–25. Working as part of our Experts at Hand offer, you will help families understand the SEND system, find the right support and take their next steps with greater confidence.

You will work closely with a cluster of schools and education settings, building trusted relationships with parent carers and local partners. You will provide time-limited navigation support, deliver community engagement such as coffee mornings and workshops, and ensure that the experiences and voices of families help shape improvements to local SEND services.

If you are a good listener who can build trusting relationships, explain complex information clearly and help families navigate services with confidence, we would love to hear from you.

Please note, this role is term time only plus 3 weeks to be worked during the holiday period.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 20th October 2026

Interview Date(s): 28th & 30th October 2026

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.