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- Tasks: Support children with SEND by providing training and inclusion strategies to families and settings.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to early years education and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower families and shape inclusive practices for children with additional needs.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 3 in early years education and experience with SEN/D children.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 34400 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £31,537 progressing to £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 32.5, 26 and 21.46
Location: Countywide
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services
We are recruiting to 1 full time position which is 32.5 hours per week covering the East of the County. We are also recruiting to 2 Part time positions, one at 26 hours per week and one at 21.46 hours per week covering the West of the County.
About The Team
We are seeking dedicated and knowledgeable Early Years Inclusion Specialists to join our dynamic Early Years SEND Service. We ensure the educational and developmental progress of children (0-7), with a range of SEN/D and additional needs, is met in line with the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy and HCC strategic objectives. Our Early Years Inclusion Specialists work in close partnership with our Advisory Teachers to support the implementation of advice, modelling strategies and interventions. Coaching and equipping practitioners across Early Years settings and schools through outreach support, whilst also building confidence and knowledge in parents and carers through training delivery, home visits and supporting intervention classes at our Early Years Specialist Development Centres for children with complex SEND needs.
About The Role
This is a key role to support children to succeed, by providing training and inclusion support to settings and families, to ensure they are equipped to support early years children with SEND needs. Tasks include:
- To conduct setting and home visits and support delivery of group intervention sessions at Early Years Specialist Development Centers and other specialist groups (e.g., Early Years Autism Parent Training).
- To provide SEND information, signposting, and practical strategies to parents, carers, and practitioners.
- You will empower families to support their child's development and implement agreed strategies.
- You will support planning, assessment and monitoring progress towards children's individual outcomes.
- You will support the organisation and delivery of specialist Intervention sessions, through preparing resources and activities, working closely with partners, communicating with parents/carers and settings, being organised, prepared, creative, positive and solution focused.
- You will model inclusive strategies and use of resources during sessions and visits.
- In partnership with the Specialist Advisory Teacher, you'll be guided on the specialist strategies and interventions needed for the children, by modelling and training the identified strategies and interventions to setting practitioners and families in an engaging manner.
- Once embedded, you'll then go on to review their progress.
About You
Essential:
- NVQ level 3 or above in early years education.
- Experience of working with children who have a range of SEN/D in Early Years settings, and with families.
- Knowledge and experience of specialist strategies and interventions for children with additional needs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, must be fluent in English both spoken and written for public facing role.
- Proficient in the use of technology e.g. laptop, iPad etc.
- Ability to work independently in settings.
- Ability to work as part of a team and in collaboration with a range of partners including setting staff and other professionals.
- Sound judgement and analytical ability in order to understand the needs of the child with SEND and the context of the setting in order to provide appropriate support.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and key national initiatives.
- Ability to travel independently – driving license and access to a vehicle is essential.
Safeguarding: This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. Disclosure of any cautions, reprimands, or convictions is a contractual obligation.
Desirable:
- Additional qualification in a specific area of SEND, Early Years, HLTA, Teaching
- Experience working in EYFS in school settings
- Experience supporting the delivery of training and/or working in a coaching/supporting capacity.
This role is a great opportunity for career progression and development into a specialist area of practice, working as part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team of passionate early years SEND professionals. Early Years Inclusion Specialists play a pivotal role in supporting parents and carers to understand their child's needs and navigate SEND systems and processes. You will also have a fundamental role in exacting change through your contact with Early Years Settings and schools, supporting the development of inclusive provision and practice, impacting children's outcomes and progress through all that you do.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is within the Health and Social Care Services, level HSC8 job profile.
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Eilish Foley or Debbi Watson.
Interview Date: 20th and 21st November
Benefits of working for us
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding: This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving Required: You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Early Years Inclusion Specialists employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Inclusion Specialists
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Early Years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Early Years Inclusion Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SEND strategies and interventions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. Show us your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s during an interview or a networking event, practice explaining complex SEND concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with parents and practitioners effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can tailor your application to highlight your experience with early years education and SEND, making it stand out even more.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Inclusion Specialists
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Early Years Inclusion Specialist role. Highlight your experience with children who have SEN/D and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, include specific examples of how you've supported children and families in early years settings. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph: Use the short covering paragraph to give us a snapshot of your passion for supporting children with additional needs. Share your motivation and what makes you a great fit for our dynamic team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and any relevant strategies for supporting children with additional needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, as well as the values and objectives of the organisation. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children who have SEN/D. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies or interventions. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the role and how you can make a positive impact.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current practices and challenges they face. This shows that you’re not only knowledgeable but also eager to contribute to their team and improve outcomes for children.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The role involves working closely with families and practitioners, so showing your genuine passion for early years education and inclusion will help you connect with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
