At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children under 5 with additional needs through home visits and early intervention.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving lives for children and families in Herefordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification, driving licence, and experience with early years children.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 32061 £ per year.
About The Role
Contract: 2 Years Fixed Term
Hours: 37
Salary: HC06 £28,142 - £32,061 per annum
Location: Widemarsh Children's Centre, Hereford
Closing date: 02/06/2026
Interview date: 16/06/2026
The Role
As part of the Best Start In Life Initiative, we are looking for a Universal Portage Worker to work as part of our Portage Team in the Early Years SEND Inclusion Service. The role will be focussed on supporting children who may have potential barriers to their academic achievement. This is a full-time fixed term position. The Portage Worker will work closely with the Early SEND Lead to deliver Portage-based home visiting early intervention service to children under 5. Come and join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to gain the best for children and families in Herefordshire.
About You
- An up to date formal Childcare and Education qualification to Level 3
- Full UK Driving licence and able to travel across the county of Herefordshire
- Recent experience of supporting early years children with additional needs
- A practical knowledge of using graded resources to support early development
- An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Equality Act (2010) and the SEND Code of Practice (2015)
- The ability to build strong relationships with early years settings.
- To be a team player with good communication and interpersonal skills
We Offer
- A service where children's learning and development is at the heart of everything we do
- A highly supportive and committed team
- Competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
- Salary range of HC06 £28,142 - £32,061 per annum
- Annual Leave: 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job‐sharing, part‐time hours and agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the "Disability Confident" scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks.
Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Join our dedicated team at Widemarsh Children's Centre, where we prioritise children's learning and development in a supportive and inclusive environment. As a Portage Worker, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional needs in Herefordshire. We are committed to employee growth and well-being, offering access to professional development and a range of staff benefits that enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Widemarsh Children's Centre and the Early Years SEND Team. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their Restorative Journey of Improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we love to see!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with supporting children with additional needs. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and SEND Code of Practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Portage Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with early years children, especially those with additional needs. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support their development and overcome barriers.
Be Personable:We love a friendly approach! In your application, let your personality shine through. Show us your passion for working with children and families, and how you can build strong relationships in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the Early Years SEND Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the role and its importance in supporting children with additional needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported early years children with additional needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your practical knowledge of using graded resources.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, focus on demonstrating your interpersonal skills. Think about how you can build strong relationships with early years settings and families. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to connect with children and their parents.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the Restorative Journey of Improvement, or how success is measured in this role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
