Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to support children aged 0-5 with emerging or developing needs across Somerset’s Best Start Family Hubs. You will identify needs early, provide targeted interventions, and promote inclusive practice with families, settings and professionals to improve outcomes and readiness for school.

You will work with education, health, SEND and community partners to guide families and ensure timely access to the right services, delivering

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive practice.
• Experience working with children and families to assess needs and provide targeted support.
• Ability to build effective relationships with multi-agency partners.
• Excellent communication and professional judgment, with accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging developmental needs with families and practitioners.
• Use screening tools to support early identification and decision-making.
• Provide practical advice and modelling of inclusive practice to families and settings.
• Deliver short-term interventions and inclusive activities supporting development and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with education, health, SEND and voluntary partners for joined-up support.

Skills

SEND knowledge

Inclusive practice

Child development

Multi-agency collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term - 2 Years.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 14th September 2026

Join us on our mission to give every child the best possible start in life in Somerset.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young children and their families through early identification, targeted support and inclusive practice. Working directly with children, families and professionals, you will help identify needs at the earliest opportunity, provide advice and interventions, and support smoother transitions into early years settings and starting school.

About the Role

As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will play a key role in improving outcomes for children aged 0-5 with emerging, additional or developing needs. Working across Somerset's Best Start in Life Family Hubs and community settings, you will support children, families and practitioners to identify needs early, provide targeted interventions, and promote inclusive practice that helps every child achieve the best possible start in life.

As part of our Early Identification Team, you'll work with education, health, SEND and community partners to give children the best start in life. Supporting school readiness and transitions, you'll provide expert guidance to families and professionals, champion inclusive practice, and help ensure children receive the right support, at the right time.

If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children, committed to inclusive practice, and thrive on building strong relationships with families and partners, we would love to hear from you!

How You'll Make a Difference

• Work directly with children, families and practitioners to identify emerging developmental needs and provide targeted support and interventions.
• Use evidence-based screening and observation tools to support early identification and informed decision-making.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and modelling of inclusive practice to families, early years settings and professionals.
• Deliver short-term interventions and inclusive activities that promote children's development, wellbeing and learning.
• Support families to understand and access appropriate services, resources and community support networks.
• Promote inclusive practice across the Best Start Family Hub network and help reduce barriers to participation and learning.
• Work collaboratively with education, health, SEND, early years and voluntary sector partners to provide joined-up support for children and families.
• Support children with additional needs to make successful transitions into early years settings and Reception.
• Provide specialist advice and professional guidance to practitioners, helping to build confidence and capability across the workforce.
• Maintain accurate records, contribute to relevant meetings and reports, and support the delivery of local and national priorities for children and families.

What You'll Bring

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, inclusive practice, child development and common barriers to learning, including SEND, CLA and EAL, with an understanding of assessment and screening tools and the challenges and opportunities across education, family support and children's social care.
• Experience working directly with children and families, assessing needs, delivering targeted early intervention, providing advice and support, and helping families access the right services to improve developmental, learning and wellbeing outcomes.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, understanding the importance of joined-up approaches to supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to analyse information, apply professional judgement, adapt your approach to different audiences and maintain accurate records and information systems.
• Relevant Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in early years, education, health, SEND, child development or a related field, alongside a values-led, creative and resilient approach that demonstrates integrity, inclusivity and a passion for improving outcomes for children and families.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 30 day's annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• 6 positions available. Each located in 1 of 6 Family Hubs in different localities across Somerset.
• Linked to locality but with the expectation that casework is needs based and can be across Somerset.
• Interviews scheduled for 23rd, 25th and 30th September and 2nd October 2026.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Chelsey Oxley at [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) - Job Description - RP328 - 1302AB.pdf