At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and empower families to access vital services.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading provider of children's services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a relevant qualification in early years or social care.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 23400 £ per year.
Salary: £23,400 pro-rata (£26,000 FTE)
Contract: Part Time, 2-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Hours: 30 hours per week - working pattern to be agreed with your line manager
Location: Hybrid, with travel to various services across the Isle of Wight
Benefits - all pro-rata:
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Company pension
- Life Assurance - 2x annual salary
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Medical Cash Plan
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies that have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside leaving care services, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and we believe in their futures.
PCS SENDIASS
Polaris Children's Services (PCS) SENDIASS forms part of the Children's Services branch of Polaris. PCS SENDIASS provides timely, confidential and impartial information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The aim of SENDIASS is to ensure that children and young people with SEND and their families are empowered to play an active and informed role in their education.
We are extending our service to embed a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner with SEND expertise into the Family Hub network on the Isle of Wight. This nationally recognised role sits at the heart of the government's Family Hubs vision, offering a unique opportunity to help shape and strengthen the SEND family hub offer across the Isle of Wight. If you are passionate about inclusion, early intervention and making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you.
Requirements
- Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families
- A strong understanding of child development, early years practice and inclusive approaches
- Excellent partnership-working skills and experience of working effectively within multi-agency environments
- A commitment to empowering families and ensuring they receive support as early as possible
- An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years, health, social care, family support or a related field, or relevant equivalent experience
- Experience supporting children with SEND, disabilities and/or additional needs
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and its application within early years services
- A SEND law qualification is desirable, or you must be willing to work towards relevant IPSEA SEN Law qualifications within your first year of employment
- A proactive and organised approach, with a passion for improving outcomes for children
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking
- Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, as well as databases
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- The ability to work independently, manage a varied caseload and use professional judgement within a multi-agency environment
Responsibilities
The Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) plays a vital role in ensuring children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needs receive the right support at the earliest opportunity. Early identification and intervention can have a significant impact on children's development, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. In this role, you will provide flexible, responsive and family-centred support, helping children thrive and empowering families to access services, navigate SEND processes and advocate effectively for their child's needs.
Based within Family Hubs across the Isle of Wight, with regular travel throughout the area, you will work in close partnership with Barnardo's and professionals across education, health, social care and SEND services to:
- Promote early identification and intervention for children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needs
- Work directly with children and families to help them understand their child's development and navigate available services with confidence
- Facilitate group activities such as drop-in sessions and workshops
- Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND, social care and community sectors
- Promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and all related services and settings
Polaris Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children's Services. Polaris Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Locations
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) in Isle of Wight, Ryde employer: Polaris Children
Polaris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for SENDIASS Support Workers. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from extensive training opportunities, including the chance to achieve qualifications in SEND law. Our home-based role allows for flexibility while being part of a dedicated team that strives to empower children and families in Richmond and Kingston, making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) in Isle of Wight, Ryde
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Polaris Children, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Polaris Children. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Polaris Children's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) in Isle of Wight, Ryde
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Polaris Children. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Polaris Children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Children
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Polaris Children.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) at Polaris Children.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Polaris Children that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) role.
