Inclusion Setting Support Officer

Hampshire County Council; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Basingstoke is seeking an Inclusion Setting Support Officer to enhance the lives of children with additional needs in early years settings. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in early years education and be knowledgeable about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Responsibilities include providing support to childcare settings and facilitating early interventions. Strong interpersonal skills and organization are vital for this role.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in supporting children with SEND in early years settings.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance for early intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance for children with additional needs.
• Aid early identification and interventions for children of concern.
• Facilitate training opportunities for SENCo and other staff.

Skills

Experience in early years education

Knowledge of SEND approaches

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to persuade and challenge

Job description

Making a difference to the lives of children in early years with additional needs

The Inclusion Setting Support Officer contributes to a statutory duty in response to Government legislation, such as the SEND Code of Practice 2015, The Children Act 2004, The Childcare Act 2006, the Equality Act 2010 and Children and Families Act 2014, to ensure early identification and support for children with Special Educational Needs and/or additional needs.

What you’ll do:

The Services for Young Children (SfYC) Inclusion Setting Support Officer (ISSO) Service offers support and guidance on including children with additional needs in Hampshire’s Early Years settings such as nurseries, preschools and childminders. Advice and guidance is provided to aid early identification and support early interventions for children of concern and is offered primarily to the setting Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). This support includes an advice line and face‑to‑face support via support surgeries, the provision of termly SENCo support group meetings, a variety of training opportunities and guidance on outside agency support or referrals to other professionals if required.

What we’re looking for:

Experienced in working in/with early years education and childcare settings, you will have recent and relevant knowledge and experience of child development and approaches to supporting children with a wide variety of SEND. You will be well‑organised and self‑motivated. You will be a good listener and communicator; with the ability to persuade and challenge whilst also having a tactful and sensitive approach.