Portage Inclusion Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; Tudhoe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in England is looking for a Portage Inclusion Practitioner on a permanent basis. This role focuses on delivering and developing a quality Portage Service for pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The practitioner will work closely with families and early years education providers to assess needs and promote the children's development. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills and an in-depth knowledge of child development, particularly regarding SEND.

Qualifications

• Experience working with families and children with SEND in early years.
• Knowledge of child development and educational needs.
• Ability to engage effectively with parents and education practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and develop the Portage Service for families with pre-school children.
• Assess, set targets, and promote development of children with SEND.
• Work closely with parents and early years childcare providers.

Skills

Communication skills

Child development knowledge

Organizational skills

Experience with SEND

Job description

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., 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.

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, 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.