At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children and families to achieve developmental goals through evidence-based interventions.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Open to discussions about flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 in early years or equivalent, with experience in child development support.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 27400 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall Glenfield LE3 8RA
Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term or Secondment (until 31st March 2027)
Closing Date: 15th March 2026
Interview Date(s): In person on 24th or 26th March
We are looking for three full time Best Start in Life Practitioners to join our new team.
About The Role
You will need to be a qualified and experienced early years worker with an understanding of supporting young children with SEND needs. This team will be working with early years children and their families to help them achieve a ‘good level of development’ by delivering interventions either in their home, in Family Hubs or other community venues across the county. You will do this by using evidence‑based interventions such as PEEP, Making it Real and our Fabulous Two’s programme. All training will be provided. You will also deliver or support various one-off sessions around the county for children and their families and support our 0 to 5 Family Support Workers to deliver sessions from Family Hubs. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
- NVQ 3 in appropriate early years or child care subject or NNEB / BTEC (Nursery Nursing), health, social care, or equivalent.
- Experience of working with parents and/or children of pre or school age in supporting parents’ understanding of their child’s early learning needs.
- Experience in working with families in which very young children are experiencing difficulties in their speech, language and communication development or in other key development areas.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of the Early Years Foundation Stage, child development (0-5), with a particular understanding of language development.
- Knowledge of basic techniques which can be utilised to stimulate speech and language development, and an understanding of issues that may affect parenting, family development and community inclusion.
- Ability to communicate clearly with children, parents and other professionals.
- Ability to work with a range of professionals and engage in multi‑disciplinary work.
- Good delivery skills and ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, including the ability to keep professional records.
- Access to own car and full current UK driving licence.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part‑time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For More Information Or An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Louise Pettitt - Team and Partnership Manager (Localities)
Telephone: 01163057879
Email: louise.pettitt@leics.gov.uk
How To Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background – we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive – both personally and professionally. If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
About Us
At Leicestershire County Council, we’re committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you’ll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.
Best Start in Life HLE Practitioner employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that support families and young children across the county. Join us in our mission to enhance the lives of residents and enjoy a fulfilling career where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start in Life HLE Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your delivery skills! Since communication is key for this role, rehearse how you would explain your experience with early years development and working with families. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or professionals in the field on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and the team, plus it shows your proactive attitude to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you submit your application early, as we might close the vacancy if we get enough applications. Plus, ensure your supporting statement highlights how you meet the criteria – it’s your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Best Start in Life HLE Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the criteria in the 'About You' section. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young children and families shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, as this will resonate with us at Leicestershire County Council.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development principles. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with supporting young children, especially those with SEND needs. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with children, parents, and other professionals, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with families in the past, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a child with speech difficulties. Think through some scenarios beforehand and outline your approach using evidence-based interventions like PEEP or the Fabulous Two’s programme.
✨Align with Their Values
Leicestershire County Council values inclusivity and community support. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and share examples of how you've contributed to accessible services in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits their ethos.
