Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

London Borough of Sutton; Wallington; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Sutton is recruiting Best Start Inclusion Practitioners to strengthen early identification, intervention and SEND practice across the borough. You will work with early years providers, health colleagues, specialist services and families to promote inclusive practice and support smooth transitions into school.

This role is central to Sutton's Best Start Strategy and SEND reforms, with opportunities to shape system‑wide improvements and collaborate across multi‑agency teams

Qualifications

• Experience with young children with SEND or developmental needs.
• Understanding of early years practice, child development, and inclusive approaches.
• Ability to build strong relationships with families and professionals.
• Clear communication across multi‑agency teams.
• Proactive, well organized and committed to improving outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen engagement and access to support for families.
• Align Best Start Family Hubs roles with wider early years and SEND services.
• Promote early identification and intervention through collaborative practice and joint interventions.
• Share developmental insights with wider partnerships.
• Contribute to multi‑agency transition planning to support school readiness.
• Promote access to early education entitlements for children with SEND.
• Encourage inclusive practice across early years settings and Reception classes.
• Support effective transitions from early years to school with information sharing.

Skills

Experience with SEND

Early years practice understanding

Relationship building

Clear multi‑agency communication

Proactive and organized

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years or related field

Job description

Length of Employment / Contract End Date

March 2029

Working Hours

Full Time

Grade

6

36

Salary Range

£35,520 - £38,256 (£39,276 unconsolidated maximum)

Salary Basis

Per annum

Enhancements/Additional Payments

N/A

Leave Entitlement

28 days

Application Deadline

18/09/2026, 23:55

Anticipated Interview Date(s)

28/29 September 2026

About the Borough

The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Found in zone 5 with good transport links in and out of London, Sutton boasts award winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing and great schools. As well as high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services and success in addressing our financial challenges, whilst involving residents in key issues and high street changes.

Sutton is continuously investing in the health, wellbeing and education of our residents and the future generation, as set out in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. We are home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. Together with the development of the London Cancer Hub, Sutton will be the world’s leading life‑science district, specialising in cancer research and treatment. Our vision will create around 13,000 jobs while contributing £1.2bn to the UK economy each year, a vibrant community of scientists, doctors and innovative companies intended to deliver real benefits for cancer patients and drive economic growth. With the regeneration of the local areas with new homes and schools, Sutton is passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.

The Council is seen as a driving force within the South London Partnership of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration and investment. As we strive to improve our services and spaces for our residents as set out in the ‘Ambitious for Sutton’ corporate plan, Sutton aims to shape the future of the borough and adapt to the needs of its residents to make our Borough a great place to live, work and raise a family.

About the Role and our Ideal Candidate

We are is seeking committed and skilledBest Start Inclusion Practitionersto strengthen early identification, early intervention, and collaborative SEND practice across the borough. This is a key role supporting children and their families with emerging needs, and those who where there are barriers to them accessing local services for a number of reasons including those with Special Educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to school entry, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.

You will work closely with early years providers, health colleagues, specialist services, and families to promote inclusive practice and interventions to help smooth transitions into school. This is an exciting opportunity to shape system‑wide improvements and contribute to Sutton's Best Start Strategy and SEND reforms.

Key Responsibilities

Strengthening Engagement and Access to support for families.

• Align Best Start in Life Family Hubs roles with wider early years and SEND services.
• Promote early identification and early intervention through collaborative practice, co‑location, drop‑ins, joint interventions, and delivery.
• Share relevant developmental insights with wider partnerships
• Contribute to multi‑agency transition planning to support school readiness.

System‑Level and Strategic Collaboration

• Promote access to early education entitlements for children with SEND or emerging needs.
• Encourage inclusive practice across early years settings and Reception classes, drawing on local specialist settings and Stronger Practice Hubs.
• Promote the BSFH SEND offer across the early years system.
• Support effective transitions from early years to school, ensuring appropriate information‑sharing and continuity for families.

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Experience working with young children with SEND or developmental needs.
• Understand early years practice, child development, and inclusive approaches.
• To be able to build strong relationships with families and professionals.
• Communicate clearly and confidently across multi‑agency teams.
• Be proactive, organised, and passionate about improving outcomes for children.
• Hold at least a Level 3 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development, or related field, with strong understanding of local SEND systems and multi‑agency practice.

About Us

This is an exciting time to join the Early Intervention Service in Sutton. Sutton's Best Start Family Hubs provide support and advice to families accross the borough. The teams work together to provide a range of universal and targeted services to help parents support their children.

Best Start Family Hubs bring together partner agencies to support children under the age of five and their families. Children’s Centres, as part of Best Start Family Hubs, provide advice, guidance, and practical support within the community.

Best Start Family Hubs Work in partnership with a wide range of services, and practitioners to build strong relationships with families to understand their needs, support parents, and promote positive parent–child interactions. They help children to reach their full potential by encouraging healthy lifestyles and supporting school readiness.

The Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) is a family‑facing role embedded within the Best Start Family Hub network to provide early support for children with additional needs and their families.

This role focuses on children