Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND)

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rewards package

27 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking enthusiastic practitioners to join the Best Start Inclusion Team, supporting children aged 0–5 years with emerging needs and their families. Based in our Best Start Family Hubs, you will deliver flexible hands-on support in hubs, community settings and family homes to identify needs early and improve developmental outcomes.

Vacancies cover Stanley, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Easington and Durham Family Hubs.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. childcare, early years, health, youth work).
• Experience working with children aged 0–5 and families, including those with SEND.
• Experience of multi-agency working and knowledge of early child development.
• Experience delivering group activities or interventions.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families to identify and respond to emerging SEND needs.
• Provide practical advice, model inclusive practice and deliver short interventions.
• Support families to access services and navigate pathways, including for complex needs.
• Use evidence-based tools (e.g. WellComm, ELIM) to assess development and inform support.
• Deliver and evaluate group-based activities and programmes, including stay and play sessions.
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND and community sectors.
• Promote inclusive practice across early years and family support services.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to measuring outcomes and impact.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Group delivery experience

Multi-agency working

Education

Level 3 qualification

Job description

We are looking for enthusiastic and committed practitioners to join our new Best Start Inclusion Team, supporting children aged 0–5 years with emerging additional needs and their families.

Based within our Best Start Family Hubs, you will deliver flexible, hands-on support in hubs, community settings and family homes, helping to identify needs early and improve children's developmental outcomes.

Vacancies are available across our Family Hub network at Stanley, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Easington and Durham Family Hubs. The Durham Family Hub vacancy is a part-time post (18.5 hours per week), with the remaining vacancies available on a full-time basis (37 hours per week). Preferred locations will be discussed at interview.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new and evolving service, working alongside a range of professionals as part of a multi-agency team to ensure families can access the right support at the right time.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

• Work directly with children and families to identify and respond to emerging SEND needs
• Provide practical advice, model inclusive practice and deliver short interventions
• Support families to access services and navigate pathways, including for complex needs
• Use evidence-based tools (e.g. WellComm, ELIM) to assess development and inform support
• Deliver and evaluate group-based activities and programmes, including stay and play sessions
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND and community sectors
• Promote inclusive practice across early years and family support services
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to measuring outcomes and impact

We encourage you to contact Rebecca Thompson via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. childcare, early years, health, youth work)
• Experience working with children aged 0–5 and families, including those with SEND
• Experience of multi-agency working
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and early child development
• Experience delivering group activities or interventions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children's Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held 13th November 20026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries
• a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service)
• membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.