Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioner

This three-year fixed-term post sits in the Quality Inclusion Team at Leicester City Council and works through the city's Family Hubs. The practitioner gives specialist SEND advice and hands‑on support to families and professionals, focusing on spotting emerging needs in children aged 0 to 5. The role draws on SEND, education, family help and health expertise, with close links to health visitors, schools, nurseries and Area SENDCOs. Council employees wishing to apply on secondment must tell their line manager first.

What the job involves

• Provide specialist SEND advice and support within Family Hubs, helping families navigate local services
• Support early identification of developmental needs and emerging SEND using observation, discussion and evidence-informed approaches
• Deliver practical, flexible and targeted support to children aged 0-5 and their families, modelling strategies that build confidence
• Work closely with health visitors, schools, nurseries, Area SENDCOs and therapists to provide coordinated support
• Signpost families to local services, support pathways, parent engagement opportunities and community resources
• Champion inclusive practice across Family Hubs, coaching and supporting staff in child development, SEND and early intervention
• Promote effective transitions into early education and school, with smooth information sharing and continuity of support
• Contribute to developing Leicester's Best Start in Life SEND offer so services respond to children, families and communities

What’s required

Experience

• Experience of working directly with children and families in early years, SEND, education, health or family support
• Experience of partnership working across education, health, community or family support services

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of child development from birth to five and of identifying and responding to emerging additional needs
• Knowledge of SEND systems, early years provision and family support pathways
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, explaining complex information clearly and sensitively
• Commitment to strengths‑based, family‑centred and inclusive practice
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and make sound professional judgements

Other

• Commitment to inclusion, co‑production and better outcomes for children, young people and families
• Passion for improving outcomes for children and empowering families through early support and intervention

Nice to have

• Experience within SEND, early years education, health visiting, family support or children's services

What’s offered

• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow
• Strong commitment to staff wellbeing
• Support for career development

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