Senior Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Trafford Council; Hereford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Hybrid working

LGPS

Leadership development

Wellbeing programmes

Employee recognition

Job summary

Trafford Council is hiring for a Senior Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, based at the Best Start Family Hub. You will lead inclusive practice across Family Hubs, offering specialist guidance to ensure babies and young children with emerging needs receive timely support.

You will collaborate with health, education, SEND and family services, steer a team of Inclusion Practitioners, and drive outcomes for children and families while delivering SMART working options where possible.

Qualifications

• Experience and strong understanding of child development, inclusion and SEND.
• Significant experience of working with children and families, able to lead and support others, build partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion inclusive practice across Family Hubs, providing specialist support, guidance and oversight.
• Collaborate with health, education, SEND and family support services to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Lead and support a team of Best Start Inclusion Practitioners.

Job description

Location and Role Details

Location: Stretford Employment: Full time Category: Children Centre Manager Posted: 2026-10-31 Valid to: 2026-11-15 Working Pattern: Full time Working Arrangement: Office Based Interview Type: In person SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible.

About This Role

The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.

Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours.

We call this SMART working.

• giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes.

Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Trafford's Best Start Family Hub Team as a Senior Best Start Inclusion Practitioner.

You will lead and champion inclusive practice across Family Hubs, providing specialist support, guidance and oversight to ensure babies and young children (05) with emerging or additional needs receive the right support at the right time.

Working with partners across health, education, SEND and family support services, you will help improve outcomes for children and families while leading and supporting a team of Best Start Inclusion Practitioners.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and passionate practitioner with a strong understanding of child development, inclusion and SEND.

You will have significant experience of working with children and families, be confident leading and supporting others, and have a proven ability to build effective partnerships across services.

With excellent communication, assessment and problem-solving skills, you will be committed to early intervention, reducing inequalities and ensuring every child has the best start in life.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

An enhanced DBS check with children/adults barred list check will be required.

This post is not a hybrid working role you will be based in the Hub.

Find Out More. For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, Colette Taylor at us.

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester.

Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces.

We’re a place where community and opportunity meet.

With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference.

We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more.

No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture

Our values are at the heart of everything we do.

They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best.

If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What You’ll Love About Working With Us

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership.
• Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information

Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check.

Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.

Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council.

Make an Impact.