At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their early development through home visits.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to making a difference for families and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to children's best start in life.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and experience with 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.
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
- 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
Why Choose Us?
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.
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.
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.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
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.
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.
Portage Worker – Eearly 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 generous leave entitlements and flexible working options, all while contributing to a vital mission that prioritises the well-being of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Worker – Eearly 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 the interview by researching the Early Years SEND Inclusion Service. Familiarise yourself with their initiatives and values, so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to supporting 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in Herefordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Worker – Eearly 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 appreciate candidates who follow directions carefully—it shows attention to detail!
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 about interviews, so check your spam folder too! We’re excited to connect with you soon.
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.
✨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 to aid development, as this is crucial for the Portage Worker role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on demonstrating your interpersonal skills. Think about how you can build strong relationships with children and families, and be ready to discuss how you’ve done this in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team and the Best Start In Life Initiative. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.
