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Best Start in Life Practitioner - Paulsgrove Family Hub
Job Reference pcc/TP/659/1936
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Salary: Band 6, £29,170 to £33,119 per annum
Working Hours:
37
Location:
Closing Date:
23/11/2026
Job Category:
Education
Region / Division:
UK Region
Job Introduction
We are looking for Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioners to join Portsmouth's Best Start Family Hub network. This is an exciting role supporting babies, young children aged 0-5, and their families to access early, practical and inclusive support when children may have emerging needs, developmental differences or additional needs .
This role will be based at Paulsgrove Family Hub
The Role
The role is about providing support early, building trusted relationships with families, and helping children and families access the right help at the right time . The support offered will be needs-led rather than diagnosis-led, meaning families can receive advice, guidance and practical help without needing to wait for a diagnosis or meet a referral threshold .
You will help ensure children with emerging or additional needs can access the full Best Start offer through Family Hubs, community settings and partner services. This will include supporting inclusion, identifying barriers to participation, strengthening access for underserved families and helping children make progress towards positive early outcomes, including communication, development and school readiness .
The postholder will work in partnership with existing services and will complement the established inclusion offer across Early Years, Family Hubs and community settings.
The Ideal Candidate
You will have a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience) and experience of working with children aged 0-5 and their families, including those with emerging or additional needs. You will have a good understanding of child development, safeguarding, inclusion, speech and language development, and early intervention .
The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills, the ability to provide practical support and guidance to families, and experience of working collaboratively with partner organisations . You will be organised, adaptable, and confident working both independently and within a multi-agency environment .
The successful candidate will be committed to family-centred, strengths-based practice, promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities, and supporting families from diverse communities in a respectful and culturally responsive way .
Working Arrangements: Attendance requirements to the designated workplace for the role in line with the Hybrid - Working a minimum of 2 days in the office per week, based at Paulsgrove Family Hub
Interview date: Monday 7th December 2026
Application process
We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria .
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment . Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
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Best Start in Life Practitioner - Paulsgrove Family Hub employer: Portsmouth
Slim Chickens Portsmouth is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Sunday Times Best Big Company to Work For in 2025 and 2026. With a vibrant work culture that prioritises integrity, hard work, and personal growth, employees enjoy generous benefits including discounts, flexible working options, and career advancement opportunities within a supportive team environment. Join us in creating memorable guest experiences while thriving in a fun and motivating atmosphere!
