At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5 in developing essential speech and communication skills.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving early childhood development in Barking and Dagenham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional training, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help families thrive in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families; Level 3 qualification in relevant fields preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33577 - 41039 £ per year.
As a Best Start Early Language and Communication Support Worker, you will play a key role in helping children aged 0 to 5 develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive. Working as part of the Best Start multidisciplinary Inclusion Team, you will deliver evidence-based early intervention programmes and practical support to families across Barking and Dagenham.
You will lead the delivery of community-based Peep programmes, facilitate group sessions, provide one-to-one support to families and help create positive home learning environments that promote communication, confidence, independence and school readiness. Working in partnership with Family Hubs, early years settings, schools, health professionals and community organisations, you will support children and families to achieve improved outcomes through inclusive and preventative approaches.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about early childhood development and wants to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families within their local community.
Special requirements for this post:
- Ability to travel across Barking and Dagenham to deliver services and community-based programmes in a range of settings.
- Ability to work in a predominantly face-to-face community role, including delivering group programmes and family support sessions across the borough.
- Willingness to undertake Peeple Practitioner accreditation within the first three months of employment and deliver programmes in accordance with the accredited model.
- Commitment to safeguarding children and identifying and escalating concerns in line with local safeguarding procedures.
- Commitment to maintaining accurate records and working in accordance with GDPR, information governance and confidentiality requirements.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is passionate about improving outcomes for young children and families. You will have experience of working with children, families or communities and understand the importance of early intervention in supporting speech, language and communication development.
You will be able to engage and motivate families, build positive relationships with professionals and partner organisations, and deliver activities that are inclusive, creative and responsive to the needs of children and families. You will have an understanding of child development, the importance of play and the home learning environment, and the key factors that support nursery and school readiness.
Ideally, you will hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Child Development, Education, SEND, Health, Social Care or a related field, or have equivalent relevant experience. You will be organised, able to maintain accurate records and outcome data, confident using Microsoft Office applications, and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Most importantly, you will be passionate about helping children develop the skills, confidence and foundations they need for a successful future.
Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here. Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you'll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing - and changing for the better.
Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it's on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.
We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We're even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.
Over the past few years, we've been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we're focused on what matters most to local people.
We're creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what's best for the future of Barking and Dagenham.
As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we're serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.
We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage, please contact the Hiring Manager to discuss your needs.
Interview date (Week Commencing): 02/11/2026
Closing date: 08/10/2026
Early Language & Communication Support Worker in London employer: LB Barking and Dagenham
As a Best Start Early Language & Communication Support Worker, you will join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Barking and Dagenham. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our Investors in People Gold Award status, offering flexible working arrangements, professional training, and wellbeing initiatives that ensure our staff feel valued and supported. With a vibrant community and a focus on inclusive practices, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to positive change while developing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Language & Communication Support Worker in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at LB Barking and Dagenham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from LB Barking and Dagenham!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like LB Barking and Dagenham, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at LB Barking and Dagenham or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Language & Communication Support Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to LB Barking and Dagenham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LB Barking and Dagenham! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LB Barking and Dagenham
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
