At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5, especially those with special needs, to thrive in Family Hubs.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council and make a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Salary between £36,363 - £40,777, full-time hours, and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to create lasting change across Lancashire.
- Why this job: Empower families and ensure every child gets the best start in life.
- Qualifications: Experience in child development and a passion for inclusive practice.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
We are recruiting to the new role of the Best Start Inclusion Practitioner. There are 12 posts available, with a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner placed in each of the 12 districts across Lancashire.
Are you passionate about giving every child the best possible start in life? We’re looking for an inspiring Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Early Help Service and make a real impact across Lancashire’s Family Hubs Network. In this vital role, you will work at the heart of our Family Hub network, supporting children aged 0–5 years, particularly those with special educational needs, disabilities, or additional vulnerabilities to thrive.
In this dynamic role, no two days are the same. You’ll work directly with families, spot emerging needs early, and champion inclusive practice across early years settings. From delivering engaging group sessions to offering hands-on advice and guidance, you’ll help build confidence in parents and professionals while ensuring every child is supported to reach their full potential.
We’re looking for someone passionate, skilled and driven—an experienced practitioner who understands child development, values partnership working, and can bring a range of professionals together around a shared goal. You’ll be confident supporting others, sharing expertise, and helping create inclusive environments where all children can succeed.
Join Lancashire County Council and be part of a team committed to creating brighter futures. If you’re motivated to reduce inequalities, empower families and ensure every child gets the best start in life, this is your opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of architectural design. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, this role as Principal Architect provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of building design in Lancashire while advancing your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start Inclusion Practitioner
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Lancashire County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Best Start Inclusion Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Lancashire County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Lancashire County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Lancashire County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Best Start Inclusion Practitioner role at Lancashire County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Lancashire County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
