One YMCA's Family Support Services work alongside children, families and communities to give every child the best possible start in life. Through our Best Start Family Hubs and Family Centres, we provide accessible, inclusive and responsive support that helps families build resilience, strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for children. Our services focus on early intervention, reducing inequalities and ensuring families can access the support they need, when they need it.
About the Role:
We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and experienced Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Family Support Services team. This rewarding fixed-term role until March 2029 focuses on supporting families with children under five who have SEND, disabilities or emerging additional needs. Working across Best Start Family Hubs, Family Centres and community settings, you will help families overcome barriers to accessing services, promote early identification and intervention, and ensure inclusive practice is embedded throughout our delivery. You will work directly with families, colleagues and partner agencies to create positive outcomes for children and support parents to build confidence in their child's development and learning.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver inclusive universal and targeted support for families with children under five who have SEND, disabilities or emerging additional needs.
- Provide direct support through home visits, one-to-one interventions, outreach activities and group sessions.
- Promote early identification of developmental delays and additional needs, working closely with health, early years and SEND professionals.
- Support families to access services, navigate local pathways and manage key transitions such as starting nursery or school.
- Develop and deliver practical resources, workshops and activities that support parenting, child development and positive home learning environments.
What we are looking for:
You will have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Early Years, Health, Social Care, Family Support or a related field, or relevant experience, along with experience supporting children with SEND, disabilities and/or additional needs. You'll have a good understanding of child development, safeguarding and multi-agency working, with excellent communication, organisational and IT skills. A full driving licence and the ability to travel across Hertfordshire are essential. Experience of home visiting, delivering family support, additional SEND training, and knowledge of local SEND pathways and Family Hub services would be an advantage.
This is a Fixed term contact until March 2029
Hours per week: 37.5
Working Pattern: Monday- Friday 9am-5pm
Important information:
We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.
As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made
Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying
Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.
We are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.
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Best Start Inclusion Practitioner employer: One YMCA Group
One YMCA is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of families during the crucial perinatal period. With a strong focus on professional development, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and excellence in practice, ensuring that employees are supported through coaching and training opportunities. Located in Baldock, Hertfordshire, we offer a meaningful role where you can make a real difference in the community while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
