Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (0-5)

Sheffield City Council; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Job summary

Sheffield City Council is recruiting Best Start Inclusion Practitioners to support children aged 0–5 and their families. You will work across Family Hubs and community settings to identify SEND needs, provide practical strategies, and coach settings to foster inclusive practice.

This role emphasizes proactive, preventative support and close partnership with education, health and social care colleagues. The post offers development opportunities, flexible working discussions, and a chance to help

Qualifications

• Experience with young children and families.
• Understanding of child development and early intervention.
• Commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children with additional needs.
• Ability to build positive relationships with families and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coach others.
• Thrives in partnership working and multi‑agency collaboration.
• Flexibility to work across communities and localities.

Responsibilities

• Identify developmental and SEND needs in children aged 0–5.
• Work with families, early years settings and community services to provide practical advice and strategies.
• Identify barriers to participation, learning and development through observation and professional discussion.
• Coach and support early years practitioners to develop inclusive practice and confidence.
• Deliver support within Family Hubs, community venues, homes and early years settings.
• Collaborate with education, health, social care and voluntary sector partners.
• Promote inclusion and early intervention, ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.
• Contribute to Sheffield's vision for a more inclusive and joined‑up early years system.

Skills

Early childhood development

Inclusion and equality

Communication and coaching

Multi-agency collaboration

Community engagement

Education

Background in early years / SEND / family support / education / health / childcare

Job description

Sheffield City Council is recruiting Best Start Inclusion Practitioners to support children aged 0–5 and their families. You will work across Family Hubs and community settings to identify SEND needs, provide practical strategies, and coach settings to foster inclusive practice.

This role emphasizes proactive, preventative support and close partnership with education, health and social care colleagues. The post offers development opportunities, flexible working discussions, and a chance to help