At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their early years through home visits and tailored interventions.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to making a real difference for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and access to various employee perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team focused on giving children the best start in life.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and experience supporting early years children required.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 32061 £ per year.
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 license 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
- A 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.
Why Choose Us?
We're proud and excited to unveil our new recruitment video, a celebration of Herefordshire's people, places, and purpose. Set in the heart of England and filled with pride, compassion and possibility, the video brings to life what it means to work somewhere you truly belong. At Herefordshire Council, every role matters and every person makes a real difference for our communities. We’re a team where people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow together. Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county on the Welsh border, one of England’s most rural and unspoilt areas, with vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community. Our priority is clear: to keep children safe and give them the best start in life. We do this through passionate, dedicated professionals who build strong relationships with children, families, and partners to make a lasting difference. It’s an exciting time to join us. We’re investing in our people and our relational practice approach, working alongside our improvement partner, Leeds City Council. You’ll be supported by experienced managers, continuous professional development, and a genuine team ethos that values collaboration and care. If you’re committed to helping children and young people thrive, come and join the journey in Herefordshire - where your work truly matters.
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. If you’re shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments, our Children & Young People Recruitment Team will be happy to support you.
Creating an inclusive workplace
We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to help embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups, collectives of colleagues who often share identities, life experiences or cultures and offer support and community. They also play an important role in strengthening the voices of employees at Herefordshire Council. Embedded in the Council's values is a commitment to listen to people's views and needs.
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.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile! If you are successfully shortlisted, the C&YP Recruitment Team will contact you via email to arrange your interview and/or assessment. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview, so please keep an eye on your email inbox - check your spam/ junk folder too. Good luck, we’re looking forward to meeting you!
Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford employer: Hoople
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive team environment, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the picturesque county of Herefordshire, staff enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance with flexible working options and generous benefits, all while contributing to a vital mission of ensuring the best start in life for every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Portage Worker 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! Research the Early Years SEND Inclusion Service and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, especially around supporting children with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for helping children thrive. Talk about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to early years education.
✨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 difference in Herefordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Worker – Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Portage Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience with early years children and any qualifications that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them in real situations. Whether it’s building relationships with families or using graded resources, give us examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Follow the Application Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure to upload your CV and complete the application form as requested. We’re all about clarity and organisation, so let’s keep it straightforward!
Keep an Eye on Your Inbox:After applying, keep an eye on your email for updates from our C&YP Recruitment Team. They’ll reach out to you if you’re shortlisted, so make sure to check your spam folder too—don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage and the SEND Code of Practice. Brush up on your knowledge about supporting children with additional needs, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported early years children. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening and engage with their questions. Show that you can communicate effectively, as strong relationships are key in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team and the initiatives at Herefordshire Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their Restorative Journey of Improvement!
