Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Winchester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work - 2 days remote

Job summary

Hampshire County Council in Winchester is seeking a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to support young children with additional needs. The role works across Best Start Family Hubs, partnering with health, education and SEND services to promote inclusion and improve developmental outcomes.

You will work directly with families, use observation tools, coordinate multi-agency support and ensure timely access to early education entitlements.

Qualifications

• 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 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 and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and use professional judgement.

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.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Relationship-building

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development or related field

Job description

Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

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.

What we're looking for

• 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.
• Make a meaningful difference to children's lives by ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven service that is committed to inclusion, early intervention and improving outcomes for local families.

We currently have opportunities available at our Best Start Family Hubs in Gosport, Havant and Andover. When completing your application, please tell us which location(s) you are interested in.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other job titles you may be searching for include: Early Years Inclusion Practitioner, Early Help Practitioner, Family Support Practitioner, SEND Practitioner, Family Hub Practitioner, Child Development Practitioner, Early Intervention Practitioner, Inclusion Support Practitioner.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Company: Hampshire County Council

Salary: £33,178 - £36,369

Hours: Full-time

Location: Winchester, SO23 8UJ

Working pattern: Hybrid - 2 days remote

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 5 Aug 2026

Closing date: 1 Sept 2026