Flexible Learning & Disabilities Practitioner

Early Years Alliance; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking flexible Children with Disabilities Practitioners to support children with disabilities or complex health needs. The role involves providing sessional support, ensuring a safe environment, and collaborating with families to help children reach their full potential. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Benefits

28 pro-rata days annual leave

Comprehensive induction and training support

Mileage at 35p per mile

Employer and employee contribution pension scheme

Access to learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with disabilities or complex needs.
• Understanding individual needs of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality sessions for children with disabilities.
• Assist in planning sessions aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Encourage independence and community engagement.

Skills

Effective communication

Collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Early Years/Childcare

NVQ 3 Youth/Playwork

Job description

About The Role

We are currently recruiting to increase our team of flexible Children with Disabilities Practitioners.

Flexible practitioners are vital to the success of the Children with Disabilities Support Services and ensure flexibility of the Early Support Learning Provision for 0 to 5 years old and Targeted Positive Activities for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years. Both services provide short breaks and learning opportunities for children with disabilities or complex health needs, across Lincolnshire.

Do you have the passion and commitment to make a difference in a child and young person’s life?

This is an exciting opportunity to join an experienced and dedicated team working across Lincolnshire, providing the Children with Disabilities Support Service projects.

This role supports all children and young people with disabilities or complex health needs, working collaboratively to ensure they and their families are happy, healthy, safe, and reaching their full potential.

The role provides sessional support to Senior Practitioners and requires understanding the needs and complexities of children with disabilities or health needs, providing a safe and stimulating environment while parents and carers access short breaks.

The successful candidate will have experience in similar roles and can work across one or both services. The Early Support Learning Provision operates in Lincolnshire Children Centres during the daytime for 46 weeks a year, while Targeted Positive Activities occur in evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

If you wish to discuss the role informally or visit a session, please contact [e-mail].

The Early Years Alliance offers comprehensive induction and training opportunities to develop your skills and support your professional growth.

Benefits

• 28 pro-rata days annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training support
• Mileage at 35p per mile from an agreed base
• Employer and employee contribution pension scheme
• Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities

Main duties of the role

• Support high-quality sessions for children with disabilities or complex health needs from early years until they transition into full-time education, providing parents and carers a break.
• Assist in planning sessions aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum, focusing on closing the attainment gap and meeting personal care and health needs.
• Support planning and delivery of Stay and Play sessions to help children and families access mainstream services, providing guidance and sharing key messages on supporting play and learning at home.
• Support community, youth, and holiday sessions for children aged 5-18 with disabilities or health needs, providing suitable activities in safe, welcoming environments.
• Contribute to planning activities that promote confidence, independence, and safety, tailored to the abilities of attendees.
• Encourage independence and community engagement, supporting children to develop self-care skills and reach their full potential.

Essential criteria

• NVQ Level 3 in Early Years/Childcare, NVQ 3 Youth/Playwork, or equivalent, or relevant experience working with children with disabilities or complex needs aged 0-18.
• Understanding of meeting individual needs of children and young people with disabilities or health complexities.
• Effective communication skills, both in person and in writing, with professionals and organizations.
• Experience working collaboratively with social care, early help teams, educational providers, voluntary organizations, and partners.

Hours per week: Flexible

Interview date: TBC

All successful applicants must register with the DBS Update Service and undertake a new enhanced disclosure and barring check.

About The Service

The Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to follow safeguarding policies and procedures to promote a culture of safeguarding.

The charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and ensuring equal opportunities in employment.