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- Tasks: Support young children with additional needs and run sensory play sessions.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council's passionate Early Years team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and experience with children under five.
The predicted salary is between 28605 - 31029 £ 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) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours a week over 42 weeks
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 17th May 2026
Interview Date(s): 27th May 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare service as Early Years SEND and Portage practitioner.
About the Role
The post of Early Years SEND and Portage practitioner will allow you the opportunity to join a highly skilled, enthusiastic team. We work with children from birth to school entry who have identified additional needs. You will work with children both in their homes and in early years provision. Alongside this you will have the opportunity to support training delivered to Early Years Providers and to parents too. You will also organise and run sensory play sessions and Portage groups for caseload families. You will be trained as a Portage Practitioner and will work with the youngest children with additional needs. You will have the opportunity to develop your own skills and knowledge through training and working alongside experienced colleagues. If you are passionate about supporting our youngest children with additional needs this is the perfect job for you.
Key responsibilities
- Model effective strategies for parents and carers to support very young children within the home environment and provide advice and guidance to parents and professionals in meeting the special educational needs of Early Years children.
- Model inclusive and developmentally appropriate strategies for Early Years providers to support very young children with SEND within their settings.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with requirements set by the Senior SEND Advisors.
- Prepare, or support Early Years settings to prepare, requests for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA).
- Support positive transitions into Early Years provision, promoting the education and development of children under three with special educational needs.
An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare (or equivalent), with GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English.
- Demonstrable, substantial experience of working with children under five and their families where children have SEND, including experience of collaborative partnership working with external agencies to enhance outcomes for children with SEND.
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the Early Years Foundation Stage, with the ability to implement effective strategies to support children with additional needs.
- Well-developed personal organisational skills, with the flexibility and willingness to travel to appointments and a range of venues as required.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, alongside strong listening skills, with the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with parents and professionals.
- Ability to support the inclusion of children on their caseload within Early Years settings by modelling good practice, sharing relevant information, and offering guidance and advice to staff.
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.
Contact
Ruth Melluish - Team Manager (Early Years SEND Inclusion Team)
Email: ruth.melluish@leics.gov.uk
Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner in Leicester employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and their Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can give you an edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Early Years SEND and Portage Practitioner role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children under five and their families, especially those with SEND. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications and experiences!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young children with additional needs shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share any personal stories or motivations that drive you in this field.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so why not get started today?
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting children with additional needs will show that you're not just knowledgeable, but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully supported children under five with SEND. Highlight any collaborative efforts with external agencies, as this is key in demonstrating your ability to enhance outcomes for these children.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to convey complex ideas simply and effectively, so think about how you can explain your approach to parents and professionals in a way that’s easy to understand.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving children with SEND. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on modelling good practice and providing guidance to staff in early years settings.