Portage Inclusion Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is looking for a dedicated Portage Inclusion Practitioner to enhance educational services for pre-school children with additional needs. The role involves assessing child development, providing targeted support to families, and collaborating with early years education providers. Ideal candidates will have a profound understanding of child development and experience working with vulnerable families, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Qualifications

• Experience working with families and pre-school children.
• In-depth knowledge of child development in early years.
• Experience supporting vulnerable families, especially children with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Assess and promote development of pre-school children with SEND.
• Provide home visiting service to support families.
• Encourage development of skills in parents and practitioners.

Skills

Child development understanding

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Experience with SEND

Ability to work with families

Job description

Make a difference to the lives of pre-school children with significant additional needs

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Portage Inclusion Practitioner to join our team on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery and development of an excellent Portage Service, providing specialist educational programs, instruction, help, and advice to families with pre-school children who have significant additional needs, including complex educational needs or challenging behaviour. This role involves working closely with early years education and childcare providers within the framework of the Services for Young Children (SfYC) Service Plan, and Children’s and Young Peoples Plan.

The Role:

Hampshire County Council’s Services for Young Children (SfYC) Inclusion Team is dedicated to improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We work in partnership with educational settings, families, and other agencies to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

For over 40 years Portage has been providing a highly professional educational home visiting service for families of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The positive outcomes for families and children make this area of work hugely rewarding.

What you’ll do:

You will use professional skills, knowledge and experience of child development to assess, set targets and promote the development of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities, through partnership with parents/carers and early years education and childcare practitioners. You will encourage parents/carers and early years education and childcare practitioners to develop their skills and strengths to meet children’s individual needs.

You will provide a home visiting service to parents/carers to support children identified as having additional needs at ‘SEN Support’ and an outreach service to early years education and childcare settings to support children identified as having additional needs at ‘SEN Support.’

What we’re looking for:

If you are passionate about inclusion, making a difference for children with SEND and have the experience and expertise to support parents/carers and early years practitioners, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Experienced in working with families and pre-school children, you will have an in-depth knowledge of child development in the early years and approaches to supporting vulnerable families, particularly children with SEND. You will be well organised and self-motivated. You will be a good listener and communicator; you will also have a tactful and sensitive approach.

Please complete the Application Form clearly stating how you meet all of the role requirements. CVs will not be considered.