Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Durham County Council; Newton Aycliffe; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (home & office)

Local Government Pension Scheme

27 days annual leave (rising to 32)

Job summary

Durham County Council is recruiting for the Best Start Inclusion Team to support 0-5s with emerging SEND needs. Roles are based in our Family Hubs across Stanley, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Easington and Durham, with both part-time and full-time posts available.

You will work in a multi-agency team to identify needs, deliver practical interventions and help families access services. Experience with children 0-5, multi-agency collaboration, and knowledge of SEND is essential.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. childcare, early years, health, youth work).
• Experience with children aged 0-5 and families, including those with SEND.
• Experience multi-agency working.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and early child development.
• Experience delivering group activities or interventions.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families to identify and respond to emerging SEND needs
• Provide practical advice, model inclusive practice and deliver short interventions
• Support families to access services and navigate pathways, including for complex needs
• Use evidence-based tools (e.g. WellComm, ELIM) to assess development and inform support
• Deliver and evaluate group-based activities and programmes, including stay and play sessions
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND and community sectors
• Promote inclusive practice across early years and family support services
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to measuring outcomes and impact

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in a relevant field

Tools

WellComm

ELIM

Job description

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are looking for enthusiastic and committed practitioners to join our new Best Start Inclusion Team, supporting children aged 0-5 years with emerging additional needs and their families. Based within our Best Start Family Hubs, you will deliver flexible, hands-on support in hubs, community settings and family homes, helping to identify needs early and improve children's developmental outcomes. Vacancies are available across our Family Hub network at Stanley, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Easington and Durham Family Hubs. The Durham Family Hub vacancy is a part-time post (18.5 hours per week), with the remaining vacancies available on a full-time basis (37 hours per week). Preferred locations will be discussed at interview. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new and evolving service, working alongside a range of professionals as part of a multi-agency team to ensure families can access the right support at the right time.

• Work directly with children and families to identify and respond to emerging SEND needs
• Provide practical advice, model inclusive practice and deliver short interventions
• Support families to access services and navigate pathways, including for complex needs
• Use evidence-based tools (e.g. WellComm, ELIM) to assess development and inform support
• Deliver and evaluate group-based activities and programmes, including stay and play sessions
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND and community sectors
• Promote inclusive practice across early years and family support services
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to measuring outcomes and impact

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. childcare, early years, health, youth work)
• Experience working with children aged 0-5 and families, including those with SEND
• Experience of multi-agency working
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and early child development
• Experience delivering group activities or interventions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.