At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND in their transition to mainstream school, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council's dedicated Inclusion Team focused on improving outcomes for young children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only contract, and a commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing essential support during critical transitions.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years and special educational needs; relevant qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 33178 - 36369 £ per year.
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 pro-rata, per annum
Work Location: Multiple locations across Hampshire (see advert for details)
Contract Type: Permanent (Term-Time only)
Closing Date: 5 January 2026
Interview Date: w/c 19 January 2026
The Role: We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Transition Practitioner to join Hampshire County Council's Services for Young Children (SfYC) Inclusion Team, which 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.
There are roles available in the following areas (you will be asked to state your preference on your application form):
- Test Valley (term-time only)
- Eastleigh and Winchester (term-time only)
- New Forest and South Test Valley (term-time only)
- East Hants (term-time only)
- Hart and Rushmoor (term-time only)
- Basingstoke (52 weeks per year)
What you’ll do: This role is aimed at supporting children with SEND who are transitioning into Year R without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The goal is to provide early interventions and services to prevent the escalation of needs and ensure a smooth transition into mainstream school. Supporting children to have their needs met in a fully inclusive environment.
What we’re looking for: We’re looking for an experienced professional with a strong background in early years and special educational needs. You’ll have relevant qualifications (or be willing to work towards them), practical knowledge of child development and SEND strategies, and experience supporting families and young children. Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with multi‐agency teams and manage challenging situations with empathy. Familiarity with the Portage model and early intervention approaches is desirable.
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: Please submit an enquiry using this form and include the location that you are enquiring about.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Portage Transition Practitioner in Andover employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Transition Practitioner in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and SEND sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and they might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Hampshire County Council's Inclusion Team and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Think about specific examples where you've made a difference for children with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant qualifications or training, make sure to highlight them during your conversations. This is your chance to demonstrate your commitment to supporting children with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Transition Practitioner in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEND and early years. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated with families and multi-agency teams in the past. We love seeing real-life examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and locations there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Portage model and early intervention strategies. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEND, as well as the role of Hampshire County Council's Inclusion Team. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the impact of your work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children with special educational needs. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported a child or family, and be ready to explain how you approached challenges with empathy and collaboration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the support available for practitioners, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, so being authentic can help the interviewers see how you would fit into their team and connect with families.