Life Practitioner - Infant Feeding

North Northamptonshire Council; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Kettering seeks compassionate Early Years Practitioners specializing in infant feeding. Responsibilities include providing tailored support to parents, delivering health sessions, and collaborating with health professionals. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and experience with families. Benefits include a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave entitlement.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel rates at HMRC rates

Competitive salary

Generous leave entitlement

Qualifications

• Experience working with babies and families is essential.
• Sound understanding of infant feeding and weaning guidance.
• Excellent skills in building relationships with parents and health professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to parents on infant feeding.
• Deliver group and one-to-one support for healthy feeding habits.
• Coordinate Breast Pump Loan services.

Skills

Knowledge of infant feeding

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent

Job description

Best Start In Life Practitioner - Infant Feeding - 12 month fixed term contract. We are seeking 2 compassionate and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our team, with a specialist focus on infant feeding. Two roles are available: one based at Kettering Family Hub and one at Wellingborough Family Hub. The role may require travel across North Northamptonshire.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support and guidance to parents and carers on infant feeding.
• Deliver group sessions and one-to-one support to promote healthy feeding habits and address feeding concerns.
• Directly deliver Breast Pump Loan services including coordination, monitoring and maintenance of equipment.
• Collaborate with health professionals and community partners to ensure consistent messaging and support around infant nutrition.
• Monitor and evaluate feeding plans and progress, ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised.
• Support the wider early years team in delivering high-quality care and education in line with EYFS standards.
• Keep accurate records and contribute to assessments and reports as required.

Qualifications and experience

• Knowledgeable practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent, with an interest in supporting infant feeding.
• Experience working with babies and families, and a sound understanding of current guidance around infant feeding and weaning.
• Excellent communication skills, able to build trusting relationships with parents and carers, and work collaboratively with colleagues and health professionals.
• Empathetic, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Benefits and commitments

• Employee Assistance Programme and Employee Benefits Scheme; wellbeing support.
• Travel rates at HMRC rates and support for active Employee Network Groups.
• Competitive salary and generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days, plus bank holidays, with option to buy up to 10 extra days).
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs.

We are an inclusive employer and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. North Northamptonshire Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024, supporting the Armed Forces community, and we hold ERS silver status with ongoing work toward Gold status.