Best Start Inclusion Practitioners (17276) in Southampton

Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of young children and their families? We have an exciting opportunity to join Southampton City Council's Early Years and Childcare Service as one of seven Best Start Inclusion Practitioners (Early Years) - a targeted outreach, inclusion and school readiness practitioner focused on children most at risk of not achieving a Good Level of Development, particularly disadvantaged children and those with emerging additional needs. These new roles form part of Southampton's Best Start in Life and Healthy Babies Programme, helping to improve outcomes for children aged 0-5 through early intervention, inclusion, family support and ensuring school readiness.

As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will work directly with children and families across Southampton, supporting those who may be experiencing disadvantage, barriers to accessing services, developmental delay, emerging additional needs, or who are at risk of not being ready for school. The role will primarily involve working directly with children and families across our seven Best Start Family Hubs, community settings and early years settings. You will build positive relationships with families and provide practical support, advice and guidance to help children thrive. You will support families to access childcare, Family Hub offer and wider support, promote inclusion, and help ensure children are well prepared for their transition into school.

You will work closely with a range of colleagues across education, health, Best Start Family Hubs, SEND and community services, contributing to Southampton's ambitions to improve school readiness, strengthen inclusion and reduce inequalities in outcomes for young children.

What you'll be doing:

• Identifying and delivering targeted outreach and family support within communities across Southampton by effectively using local intelligence and data.
• Supporting children's successful readiness and transition into early years provision and school.
• Providing home learning support, early language interventions and parenting support to ensure readiness for school as well as stronger family relations.
• Building trusted relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Providing advice, guidance and practical support where there are concerns about child development, inclusion or access to services.
• Supporting families to access childcare, Family Hub offer and local support pathways.
• Working in partnership with health professionals, schools, early years providers, Area SENCOs and other services to support early identification and intervention.
• Promoting inclusive practice and supporting children with emerging or identified additional needs.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to learning, service improvement and partnership working.

You will be passionate about improving outcomes for children and have experience of working with young children and families. At least a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Education, SEND, Health or a related field is required. Experience of working with children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers is essential, along with experience of engaging families who may be reluctant to access services or who face barriers to participation. Proven knowledge of child development, education and early intervention approaches is necessary, as well as demonstrable experience of working through co-production. An understanding of SEND and inclusive practice, excellent communication and positive relationship-building skills, experience of working effectively with a range of professionals and partner agencies, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload are also important. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.

These posts are advertised as full-time positions; however, we recognise the value that flexible working can bring. We welcome applications from candidates seeking alternative working patterns and would be happy to discuss flexibility, including part-time working and other arrangements. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing service at a time of significant investment in improving outcomes for babies, young children and families across Southampton.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people, and other groups currently under-represented within our workforce. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our service and helps us achieve better outcomes for children, families and communities. Southampton City Council strives to be an inclusive employer, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to achieve their full potential.

This post requires an Enhanced DBS check. The role involves working across community venues, Family Hubs and early years settings throughout Southampton, and a contractual car user allowance applies. This role involves working outside usual working hours, including evenings and weekends, as required. Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

To discuss the post further, please contact Silas Bingley, Team Manager at silas.bingley@southampton.gov.uk

Interviews are scheduled between 26th November 2026 - 4th December 2026.

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council.