Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; Allbrook; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured EAP

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is recruiting a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to help 0-5 children with emerging or identified needs access timely support. You will work across the Best Start Family Hubs, build partnerships with health, education and SEND services, and champion inclusive practice to improve developmental outcomes.

The role involves direct family support, using evidence-based observation, maintaining records, and ensuring safeguarding compliance, with a willingness to travel across

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development or related field.
• Experience of working with children aged 0-5 with SEND and their families.
• Experience of multi-agency working across education, health and family services.
• Strong knowledge of early child development, early intervention, inclusive practice and SEND pathways.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently, manage challenging situations and use sound professional judgement.
• Be willing to travel to various locations within Hampshire; a current driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support, advice and interventions to families with children aged 0-5 who have emerging or identified additional needs.
• Use evidence-based observation and screening tools to identify needs early and help plan appropriate support.
• Work collaboratively with health, early years, schools, SEND, local parent groups and community and voluntary sector partners to coordinate support and improve outcomes.
• Promote inclusive practice across the Best Start Family Hub network and early years settings, supporting access to early education entitlements and successful transitions into school.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor progress and evaluate impact, ensuring all work is delivered in line with safeguarding and information governance requirements.
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven service that is committed to inclusion, early intervention and improving outcomes for local families.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Independent working

Education

Level 3 qualification

Job description

As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you'll play a vital role in helping young children with emerging or identified additional needs access the right support at the earliest opportunity. Working across the Best Start Family Hubs network, you'll champion inclusion, improve developmental outcomes and help ensure every child has the best possible start in life. This is a rewarding role where you'll work directly with children and families, build strong partnerships with professionals across health, education and SEND services, and contribute to a coordinated, responsive support system. Your work will help reduce inequalities, strengthen family confidence and ensure more children can reach their full potential through timely, inclusive support.What you'll do:

• Provide direct support, advice and interventions to families with children aged 0-5 who have emerging or identified additional needs.
• Use evidence-based observation and screening tools to identify needs early and help plan appropriate support.
• Work collaboratively with health, early years, schools, SEND, local parent groups and community and voluntary sector partners to coordinate support and improve outcomes.
• Promote inclusive practice across the Best Start Family Hub network and early years settings, supporting access to early education entitlements and successful transitions into school.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor progress and evaluate impact, ensuring all work is delivered in line with safeguarding and information governance requirements., Make a meaningful difference to children's lives by ensuring families receive the right support at the right time., We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
• Level 3 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development or a related field.
• Experience of working with children aged 0-5 with SEND and their families.
• Experience of multi-agency working across education, health and family services.
• Strong knowledge of early child development, early intervention, inclusive practice and SEND pathways.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently, manage challenging situations and use sound professional judgement., You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven service that is committed to inclusion, early intervention and improving outcomes for local families.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.