At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with Special Educational Needs through home-based and group learning sessions.
- Company: Join the Kent Portage Service, a diverse team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, ongoing training, and access to staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's development while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and strong understanding of child development required.
The predicted salary is between 27904 - 29020 £ per year.
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 GCSEs (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.
In your application, please explain how your skills and experience match the criteria listed in the person specification attached to the job description. 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 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.
Interviews will be held across 2 dates: 12th August and 18th August 2026 at the Dover Civic centre.
Contact Details: Amanda Wesson - Portage County Manager 03000 413 718 amanda.wesson@kent.gov.uk
About the Company: 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.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Salary: 27,904 - 29,020 per annum
Contract type: Permanent Full Time
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and surrounding areas, United Kingdom
Job category: Education
Job Reference: REF/TP/108028/15052
Closing Date: 10 August, 2026
Portage Practitioner in Folkestone employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
