Inclusion Practitioner (Early Development)

North yorkshire county council; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

North Yorkshire County Council is recruiting Inclusion Practitioners (Early Development) in Northallerton and surrounding areas. The role supports babies and children 0-25 with SEND, providing early intervention and working with families, nurseries and professionals to promote inclusion and development.

You will manage a caseload under guidance, delivering tailored support, using Portage principles where applicable, and coaching staff to enhance inclusive practice across settings.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience with children aged 0-25 at the earliest development stages.
• Experience supporting children with SEND and additional needs.
• Knowledge of child development and early learning.
• Understanding of the EYFS and SEND Code of Practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with parents, carers and professionals from multiple disciplines.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a varied caseload.
• Confidence in using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support and early intervention for children aged 0-25 with SEND.
• Deliver direct support using evidence-based approaches, including Portage principles.
• Collaborate with families in a strengths-based, relationship-centred way.
• Support schools and early years settings to develop inclusive practice.
• Model and coach practitioners to build confidence and capacity.
• Support transitions into nursery, school and other settings.
• Work with health, social care, family support and other agencies.
• Run stay-and-play groups, drop-ins and information sessions.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

IT literacy

Time management

Education

Level 3 qualification

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Salary: £32,578 - £35,570

Grade: H

Contract: Permanent - Term Time Only + 2

Hours: Full and Part Time positions available

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Positions are also available in Selby, Harrogate.

Make a Difference at the Earliest Stage

Due to continued investment in Early Years inclusion and early intervention services, we are delighted to offer exciting opportunities for Inclusion Practitioners (Early Development) to join our established Early Development and Inclusion Teams within North Yorkshire.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support babies, young children and those at an earlier development stage and their families at a crucial stage of development, helping to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

About the Service

The Education and Inclusion Service works in partnership with schools, early years settings, families and partner agencies across North Yorkshire to promote the inclusion, participation and achievement of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Our Early Development Team supports children from birth to 25 years who are experiencing developmental differences, SEND, emerging needs or vulnerabilities. Working as part of integrated locality teams, we provide specialist advice, early intervention and practical support to families, nurseries, childminders and other professionals.

About the Role

Working under the guidance of a Senior Advisory Teacher, you will manage a caseload and provide tailored support to children, families and settings to promote early learning, development and inclusion.

You will play a key role in helping families understand their child's strengths and needs while building the confidence and skills of practitioners to provide effective support within everyday environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing individually tailored support, advice and early intervention for children aged 0-25 with SEND and emerging needs.
• Delivering direct support using evidence-based approaches, including Portage principles.
• Working closely with families through a strengths-based, relationship-centred approach.
• Supporting schools and early years settings to develop inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children.
• Modelling interventions and coaching practitioners to build confidence and capacity.
• Supporting transitions into nursery, school and other settings.
• Working collaboratively with health professionals, social care, family support services and other agencies.
• Running stay and play groups, drop-ins and information sessions.
• Monitoring progress and maintaining accurate records using service systems and procedures.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed practitioners who are passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND and their families.

You will have:

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field or significant equivalent experience.
• Experience of working with children aged 0-25 years at those earliest development stages.
• Experience supporting children with SEND and additional needs.
• Knowledge of child development and early learning.
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and SEND Code of Practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively with parents, carers and professionals from a range of disciplines.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload.
• Confidence in using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.

It would be advantageous if you have:

• Knowledge or experience of the Portage Model.
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Experience supporting children through diagnostic pathways and transitions.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Help shape positive outcomes for young children and their families.
• Work within a highly supportive and experienced multi-disciplinary team.
• Access excellent professional development opportunities.
• Develop specialist knowledge within Early Years SEND and inclusion.
• Be part of a service committed to early intervention, inclusion and collaborative working.

If you are passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Further Information

For full details of the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

For an informal discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact:

Carol-Ann Howe Email: [e-mail]

Using AI? Please follow our guidance to ensure your application reflects your own knowledge and experience:

Advice on your job application | North Yorkshire Council

Key dates:

Closing date - 12 th October 2026

Interview date: 15 th to 20 th October 2026

Key Documents:

Job Description

Total Rewards Brochure

Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.