What will you be doing?
Portage Practitioner – Early Years - Location: South/East Kent
Covering Ashford, Folkestone, Hythe, Dover and surrounding areas.
Fulltime, 37 hours per week all year round, however, applications from candidates seeking to work 28 hours per week will also be considered.
Start date- date finalised upon appointment.
Are you passionate about supporting young children with Special Educational Needs?
Do you want a rewarding role that makes a real difference to the lives of children aged 0–4 and their families across Kent?
The Kent Portage Service is a county-wide educational service supporting children with SEND in their homes, community and early years provisions.
We are a diverse and experienced team delivering a blended model of educational support and transition through face-to-face, group and virtual sessions.
As part of the role, you will:
- Deliver home-based and group learning sessions to children with SEND and their families in a variety of locations.
- Support transitions into Early Years provisions.
- Work flexibly across home, office, community, and virtual environments.
- Assess a child’s development using appropriate tools, then develop targets and strategies to meet their individual educational needs.
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate interventions tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
- Support parents and professionals to implement recommendations and review progress.
- Liaise with a range of professionals, working collaboratively to support the educational development of individual children.
- Offer advice and guidance in line with the Kent Local Offer.
- Organise and chair meetings with professionals and families as needed.
- Write reports and complete relevant documentation to a high standard for sharing with families and professionals.
- Work in West/North Kent, but may be required to travel and work in a wider area on occasion.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is educated to an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare (or equivalent)
- Holds GCSE's (Grade 4–9) in English.
- Has a strong understanding of child development and experience working with very young children with SEND.
- Can adapt play-based learning to meet individual developmental levels.
- Is self-motivated, organised, and able to prioritise effectively.
- Has a working knowledge of Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word and Excel.
The interview will include a 10-minute presentation.
The title will be shared if you are shortlisted, as part of the interview process.
What We Offer
- A comprehensive induction programme
- Ongoing CPD opportunities, including:
- Accredited Portage 3-Day Training Workshop.
- A flexible hybrid working model.
- An option to enrol in the Local Government Pension Scheme with KCC contributions.
- Staff discounts via Kent Rewards.
- Access to a range of staff groups providing support and development opportunities to staff across a diverse workforce.
This position is considered by KCC to be a customer facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the job description/person specification.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The role is subject to a full UK driving licence - The council is committed to making reasonable adjustments. So, whilst this job requires A jobholder to drive, your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.
About you
Ashley Chambers – Portage Officer
03000 418847 ashley.chambers@kent.gov.uk or kentportage@kent.gov.uk
Interviews will be held across 2 dates: 27th and 28th October 2026 at the Dover Civic centre
About us
Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
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Portage Practitioner in Folkestone employer: Jobsgopublic Limited
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as health support and family-friendly leave options. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, this role offers the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team that champions independence and equity for all residents.
