Early Support Keyworker

Rochdale Council; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochdale Council is seeking an Early Support Keyworker to join our dedicated team. You will work with babies and pre-school children who have SEND and complex health needs, delivering play-based activities and family-centred support in home and community settings.

The role requires a minimum NVQ Level 3 in Early Years, Social Work or equivalent, and experience partnering with parents, caregivers and professionals to assess needs and deliver planned interventions to improve outcomes.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent (NNEB, BTEC, etc.).
• Experience with babies and children under 5 with SEND and their families/caregivers.
• Experience working with parents, caregivers and professionals to assess needs.

Responsibilities

• Assessing and delivering play-based activities to support outcomes across health, education and social care.
• Work with parents, carers and professionals in home and community settings.
• Plan and deliver interventions for children with SEND/complex needs.
• Collaborate as part of a multi-agency team to support families.

Skills

SEND experience

Family-centred work

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Early Years or Social Work

Job description

About the role

We are looking for an Early Support Keyworker to become part of our committed and caring team, working with babies and pre-school children who have Special Educational Needs, Disabilities, and complex health needs.

The Early Support team provides high quality family-centred support and early intervention for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In this role, you’ll work alongside parents, carers, and a range of professionals in home and community settings, assessing, creating and delivering play based activities that support positive outcomes across health, education and social care.

This is a full time post and we are unable to accept applications for part time hours.

About you

We are looking for an practitioner who holds a minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Social Work, or equivalent (NNEB, BTEC etc.),

In addition you will also have strong experience of:

Working with children under 5 with SEND and their families/caregivers

Working in partnership with parents, caregivers, and professionals to assess the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Planning and delivering evidence based interventions supporting children with SEND/complex needs to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Experience of working effectively as a member of a multi- agency team delivering services to children and families.

About us

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment.

Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced DBS against the Child Workforce.

Interviews will be held on 13th / 14th October 2026

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

Supporting Documents

• Policy on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
• Job Description and Person Specification