Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pre-school children with additional needs through home visits and collaboration with families.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council’s dedicated Inclusion Team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Permanent and temporary roles available, flexible hours, and rewarding work.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives and support families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience with child development and working with families, especially those with SEND.
- Other info: Two roles available: Havant (temporary) and Alton (permanent) with excellent career satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
There are 2 roles available and you will be asked on your application form to state which you are applying for:
- Havant, temporary until 31/07/2027, 37 hours per week
- Alton, permanent, 22 hours per week
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.
Portage Inclusion Practitioner in Havant employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Inclusion Practitioner in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Hampshire County Council and their Services for Young Children. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Portage Inclusion Practitioners on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around supporting children with SEND. Practise your responses so you can confidently showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our team and making a positive impact on children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Inclusion Practitioner in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, make sure to clearly state how your experience aligns with the role requirements. We want to see your passion for inclusion and how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your experience working with pre-school children and families, especially those with SEND. We love to see real-life examples of how you've made an impact in similar roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect the specific needs of the Portage Inclusion Practitioner role. We’re looking for candidates who understand our mission and values.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and the specific needs of children with SEND. Familiarise yourself with the Portage model and how it supports families. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with families and pre-school children. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, especially in challenging situations. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and commitment to inclusion.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, be sure to listen carefully to the questions asked. Respond thoughtfully and reflectively, showing that you value communication. This is crucial for the role, as you'll need to engage effectively with parents and practitioners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
