At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND, promoting inclusive practices and smooth transitions into school.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, dedicated to improving lives in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Meaningful impact, supportive team, professional development, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a committed team in a dynamic environment focused on continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping system-wide improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children, strong relationship-building skills, and Level 4 qualification in relevant field.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Bradford Children and Families Trust are looking for an experienced, innovative and dedicated permanent Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) for the Early Help service to drive our services forward and to ensure that our promise to improve the lives of Children and Young People in Bradford becomes a reality. You will have a passion and drive to ensure children are at the heart of all we do. You will practice within a relational and restorative culture of continuous learning and reflective practice that inspires staff to give their best in their roles. If you’re up for the challenge and passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and want to help us achieve our vision, then we’d love to hear from you!
About us
Bradford Children and Families Trust was established in April 2023 to enhance the quality and delivery of Children’s Services across the Bradford district. Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Our purpose is clear and as we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us with our recent Ofsted report acknowledging ‘significant improvements’. Our senior leadership team is permanent and committed to providing stability and continuity within the organisation. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals.
About the Role
Bradford Children and Families Trust is seeking a committed and skilled Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to strengthen early identification, early intervention, and collaborative SEND practice across the district. This is a key role supporting children with emerging or identified special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to school entry, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time. You will work closely with early years providers, health colleagues, specialist services, and families to promote inclusive practice and smooth transitions into school. This is an exciting opportunity to shape system‑wide improvements and contribute to Bradford’s SEND reforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Strengthening SEND Partnership Working
- Align Bradford Start for Life and Health (BSFH) roles with wider early years and SEND services, including neurodiversity and speech & language pathways.
- Support future alignment with the Experts at Hand offer as part of national SEND reforms.
- Promote early identification and early intervention through collaborative practice, co-location, drop-ins, joint interventions, and virtual delivery.
- Share relevant developmental insights with Children’s Social Care where appropriate.
- Contribute to multi‑agency transition planning to support school readiness.
- Promote access to early education entitlements for children with SEND or emerging needs.
- Encourage inclusive practice across early years settings and Reception classes, drawing on local specialist settings and Stronger Practice Hubs.
- Promote the BSFH SEND offer across the early years system.
- Support effective transitions from early years to school, ensuring appropriate information‑sharing and continuity for families.
To be successful in this role you will need
- Experience working with young children with SEND or developmental needs.
- Understand early years practice, child development, and inclusive approaches.
- Be able to build strong relationships with families and professionals.
- Communicate clearly and confidently across multi‑agency teams.
- Be proactive, organised, and passionate about improving outcomes for children.
- Hold at least a Level 4 qualification in early years, education, health, SEND, child development, or related field, with strong understanding of local SEND systems and multi‑agency practice.
What We Offer
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to children and families across Bradford.
- A supportive, collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Flexible working arrangements (where appropriate).
For further information please contact: Sarah Goddard – Early Help Service Manager. sarah.goddard@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date 28th June 2026
Interviews w/c 6th July 2026
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview and a disclosure check will be required.
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) in Bradford employer: Bradford Children and Families Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families in a vibrant community. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive team culture, and a commitment to restorative practices, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements. Join us in shaping the future of children's services in Bradford and be part of a transformative journey that values collaboration and innovation.
Contact Details:
Bradford Children and Families Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) in Bradford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bradford Children and Families Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bradford Children and Families Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bradford Children and Families Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradford Children and Families Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
