At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children under 5 with potential barriers to learning through home visits.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on children's development in Herefordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to improving children's futures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification 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
- Up-to-date formal Childcare and Education qualification to Level 3
- Full UK Driving licence and ability to travel across Herefordshire
- Recent experience of supporting early years children with additional needs
- Practical knowledge of using graded resources to support early development
- Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Equality Act (2010) and the SEND Code of Practice (2015)
- Ability to build strong relationships with early years settings
- Team player with good communication and interpersonal skills
To arrange an informal discussion or ask any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk.
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.
- Salary range of HC06 £28,142 - £32,061 per annum
- Annual leave: 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
- Additional 10 days per annum purchasable during request period
- Flexible working: 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)
- Perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits including savings, cash back and discounts
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk. If you’re shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments, our Children & Young People Recruitment Team will be happy to support you.
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 (commitment to Disability Confident scheme)
- Those who indicate they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist (commitment to Armed Forces Covenant)
- Those who indicate they are a Herefordshire care leaver (commitment to supporting young people leaving care)
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. 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 – Eearly 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 environment. We offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, alongside a commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities. Be part of a meaningful initiative that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families in Herefordshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Worker – Eearly Years SEND Team in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Best Start In Life Initiative and understand their values. This 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 Workers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children with additional needs. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the Early Years SEND Inclusion Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Worker – Eearly 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 a Portage Worker. We want to see how you can support children with additional needs, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with early years children shine through in your written application. We’re all about making a difference, so share why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our Restorative Journey of Improvement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 key principles behind supporting children with additional needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported early years children. Highlight any practical knowledge of using graded resources and how you've built relationships with families and settings.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves working closely with the Early SEND Lead, demonstrate your teamwork skills. Think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with colleagues or other professionals to achieve a common goal.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the Best Start In Life Initiative, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
