At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with additional needs through home visits and 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 growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND and their families.
- 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
To apply for this post, you must:
- 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 your caseload within Early Years settings by modelling good practice, sharing relevant information, and offering guidance and advice to staff.
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.
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.
Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner employer: Nottingham City Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about early years education and special educational needs. With a commitment to employee development through training and collaboration with experienced colleagues, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families while enjoying flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner
✨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 in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Practise your answers, focusing on your work with children with SEND and how you've supported families in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years SEND Inclusion & Portage Practitioner
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’re looking for someone who’s 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 structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City 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. Think about collaborative projects with external agencies and how you modelled effective strategies for parents and professionals. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Communication is Key
Since this role involves working closely with parents and professionals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, during the interview. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask them!
✨Embrace Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss your willingness to travel and adapt to different working environments. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to be flexible in your approach, as this will resonate well with their commitment to accessible and inclusive services.
