Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Swindon Borough Council is seeking a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join the expanding Best Start Family Hub network. You will support babies and children aged 0-5 with developmental needs, helping families access timely support across diverse settings.

You will work with health professionals, schools and voluntary partners to promote inclusion, school readiness and positive child development, in a strengths-based, family-centred approach.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Early Years, Education, Child Development, SEND, Health or a related field.
• Experience working directly with children aged 0-5 years and their families.
• Experience supporting children with additional, emerging or developmental needs.
• Knowledge of child development and the importance of early identification and intervention.
• Understanding of SEND legislation, inclusion and family-centred practice.
• Experience working collaboratively with professionals across services.
• Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Support the early identification of children with emerging developmental, additional or SEND needs.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and targeted support to families.
• Deliver inclusive activities, interventions and developmental support sessions.
• Promote school readiness, communication, play and positive child development.
• Support families to navigate local services and access appropriate pathways.
• Coordinate Section 23 notifications and ensure families receive timely information and support.
• Work alongside health professionals, early years providers, schools, SEND teams and voluntary sector partners.
• Model and promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and community settings.
• Contribute to workforce development and quality improvement activities across the Family Hub network.
• Support effective transitions into early years settings and school.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Relationship-building

Equality & inclusion

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years or related field

Job description

Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Ref: 182820

Salary: £32,597 p.a. plus benefits

Please note: 3.3% national pay award increase to be applied in October

37 Hours per week

1 year Fixed Term Contract

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that's who we're doing it for - the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you'll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It's all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you

Are you passionate about inclusion, early intervention and improving outcomes for young children and their families?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our developing Best Start Family Hub network. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting babies and children aged 0-5 with emerging, additional or developmental needs, helping families access the right support at the earliest opportunity.

Working across Family Hubs, community venues, outreach settings and family homes, you will provide practical, evidence-informed support that helps children thrive, strengthens family confidence and promotes inclusion across services.

About the Role

As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will work as part of Swindon's Best Start Family Hub network, supporting children and families through a strengths-based and family-centred approach.

You will:

• Support the early identification of children with emerging developmental, additional or SEND needs.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and targeted support to families.
• Deliver inclusive activities, interventions and developmental support sessions.
• Promote school readiness, communication, play and positive child development.
• Support families to navigate local services and access appropriate pathways.
• Coordinate Section 23 notifications and ensure families receive timely information and support.
• Work alongside health professionals, early years providers, schools, SEND teams and voluntary sector partners.
• Model and promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and community settings.
• Contribute to workforce development and quality improvement activities across the Family Hub network.
• Support effective transitions into early years settings and school.

About You

We're looking for someone with experience, passion and commitment who can build positive relationships and help families feel supported and empowered.

Essential Requirements

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Early Years, Education, Child Development, SEND, Health or a related field.
• Experience working directly with children aged 0-5 years and their families.
• Experience supporting children with additional, emerging or developmental needs.
• Knowledge of child development and the importance of early identification and intervention.
• An understanding of SEND legislation, inclusion and family-centred practice.
• Experience working collaboratively with professionals across services.
• Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities when working with children and families.

Join Us and you'll become part of an ambitious and supportive service committed to ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.

If you are committed to inclusion, passionate about child development and want to help shape a high-quality Family Hub SEND offer, we'd love to hear from you.

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It's why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you'll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We'll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we'll achieve our vision of a prosperous, revitalised Swindon together. And you'll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details and our new Swindon Plan.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early so early applications are encouraged.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

Closing date: 12 October 2026

Interview date: 28 October 2026