Best Start Inclusion Practioner/s - 37 hours per week - Fixed term contract to Oct 2027

Bournemouth Borough Council; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Bournemouth Borough Council is inviting applications for the Best Start Inclusion Practitioner role. Working within a Family Hub and across its network sites, you will identify developmental needs early and ensure families receive coordinated support.

You will work face-to-face with families through drop-ins, appointments, group activities and home visits, building trusted relationships and helping children get the best start in life.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children and families.
• Understanding of child development and SEND.
• Able to build relationships with families and partners.

Responsibilities

• Deliver early intervention and inclusion support for children aged 0-5 and their families.
• Work face-to-face with families across the Family Hub network.

Skills

Child development

SEND experience

Job description

# Best Start Inclusion Practitioner/s - 37 hours per week - Fixed term contract to Oct 2027## Job IntroductionStarting salary for this role is **£35,570 (pro rata for**part-time colleagues)This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly **#BeTheDifference at BCP**.Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.Learn more in our *‘**More than just a job’* brochure on our careers site.**Best Start Inclusion Practitioner****/s****Number of positions:**2 **Hours:** 37 hours per week **Contract:** Fixed Term until 31/10/2027 **Location:** Family Hub based, working across hub network sitesWe are excited to invite applications for the newly created role of **Best Start Inclusion Practitioner** as part of the development of our Best Start Family Hubs programme.This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering early intervention and inclusion support for children aged 0-5 and their families. Working within a designated Family Hub and across its network sites, the Best Start Inclusion Practitioner will play a key role in identifying emerging developmental needs at the earliest opportunity and ensuring families receive timely, coordinated and inclusive support.The role has been designed in line with Department for Education expectations for Best Start Family Hubs and places direct work with children and families firmly at its centre. Practitioners will spend the majority of their time working face-to-face with families through drop-ins, appointments, group activities and home visits, building trusted relationships and supporting children to achieve the best possible start in life.We are looking for passionate, child-centred practitioners who are committed to inclusion and reducing inequalities. You will have experience of working with young children and families, a good understanding of child development, and experience supporting children with additional needs and SEND. You will be confident in building positive relationships with families, working collaboratively with partners, and delivering practical interventions that improve outcomes for children.Successful applicants will become a visible and valued presence within their Family Hub, supporting early identification, strengthening pathways to support, and helping families access the right help at the right time.If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children, promoting inclusion and supporting families through early intervention, this could be an exciting opportunity to join a developing service and help shape the future delivery of Best Start Family Hubs across BCP.**Proposed interview dates:** 22 and 23 October 2026Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.**At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.** We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible. **If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here:**Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP **About BCP Council**BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.**Our Benefits** ***A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council*** At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— **we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.** Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP ***Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you*** More About us | Working for BCP **DBS**BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.