Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP)

Bradford Children and Families Trust; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Excellent Local Government pension

Family-friendly policies

Health & wellbeing support

Professional development

National Living Wage employer

Job summary

Bradford Children and Families Trust in Bradford is seeking an experienced Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) to strengthen early identification, early intervention and collaborative SEND practice from birth to school entry.

You will work with early years providers, health colleagues, specialist services and families to promote inclusive practice, smooth transitions, and system-wide SEND reforms, contributing to improved outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children with SEND.
• Strong understanding of early years development.
• Ability to build relationships with families and professionals.
• Clear, proactive communicator across multi-agency teams.
• Organised and passionate about improving outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen SEND partnership working across the district.
• Align BSFH roles with early years and SEND services.
• Support alignment with Experts at Hand offer as part of SEND reforms.
• Promote early identification and intervention through collaborative practice.
• Share relevant developmental insights with Children’s Social Care where appropriate.
• 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, ensuring information-sharing.

Skills

SEND experience

Early years practice

Relationship building

Multi-agency communication

Organised & proactive

Education

Level 4 qualification in early years/education/health/SEND/child development

Job description

Bradford Children and Families Trust are looking for experienced, innovative and dedicated permanent Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) for the Early Help service to drive our services forward and to ensure that our promise to improve the lives of Children and Young People in Bradford becomes a reality. You will have a passion and drive to ensure children are at the heart of all we do. You will practice within a relational and restorative culture of continuous learning and reflective practice that inspires staff to give their best in their roles. If you’re up for the Challenge and passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and want to help us achieve our vision, then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

Bradford Children and Families Trust was established in April 2023 to enhance the quality and delivery of Children’s Services across the Bradford district. Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community.

Our purpose is clear and as we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us with our recent Ofsted report acknowledging ‘significant improvements’. Our senior leadership team is permanent and committed to providing stability and continuity within the organisation. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals.

We are looking for talented individuals to join our Early Help service to strengthen families and help shape the future of young lives. You'll be part of a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for children.

About the Role

Bradford Children and FamiliesTrust is seeking a committed and skilled Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to strengthen early identification, early intervention, and collaborative SEND practice across the district. This is a key role supporting children with emerging or identified 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 smooth transitions into school. This is an exciting opportunity to shape system‑wide improvements and contribute to Bradford’s SEND reforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Strengthening SEND Partnership Working
• Align Bradford Start for Life and Health (BSFH) roles with wider early years and SEND services, including neurodiversity and speech & language pathways.
• Support future alignment with the Experts at Hand offer as part of national SEND reforms.
• Promote early identification and early intervention through collaborative practice, co‑location, drop‑ins, joint interventions, and virtual delivery.
• Share relevant developmental insights with Children’s Social Care where appropriate.
• 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 4 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development, or related field, with strong understanding of local SEND systems and multi‑agency practice.

What We Offer

The chance to make a meaningful difference to children and families across Bradford.

A supportive, collaborative team environment.

Opportunities for professional development and training.

Flexible working arrangements (where appropriate).

You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work‑life balance, including:

• Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Local Government pension
• Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave
• Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• we are a National Living Wage employer

Closing Date

Closing Date 15th November

Interviews

Interviews: w.c 23rd November

If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.

For further information please contact: Jodie Shuttleworth - [e-mail]