Early Years Inclusion Outreach Officer

This fixed-term post sits in the Early Years Inclusion team within Portsmouth City Council's Early Years Service, reporting to the Early Years Advisory Teacher Team. The work centres on helping early years settings strengthen SEND practice, from early identification and observation to planning and evaluating support for children's progress. Travel between settings across Portsmouth is central, with at least two office days a week. Fit depends on an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience, and a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.

What the job involves

• Provide practical support, guidance and specialist advice to early years settings
• Help providers strengthen SEND practice through early identification, observation, assessment and planning for children's progress
• Evaluate the impact of support given to settings
• Model strategies and interventions, helping practitioners put professional recommendations into everyday practice
• Work with early years providers, health visitors and other partners to deliver SEND outreach
• Contribute to training delivered by the wider Early Years team
• Help settings understand the Portsmouth Local Offer
• Record visits and prepare actions and guidance
• Collect and submit data
• Keep up to date with SEND legislation and national and local developments

What’s required

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in childcare, health and social care, or equivalent relevant experience

Experience

• Recent experience of working within an early years setting
• Experience identifying and supporting children with a range of SEND, using observation and assessment to monitor progress

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and children's learning and development
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the role of the Early Years SENCo
• Understanding of approaches, interventions and strategies for supporting individual children
• Ability to give constructive support and challenge to early years providers
• Strong written and verbal communication

Checks & eligibility

• Standard or Enhanced DBS check before any offer
• Right to work in the UK

Other

• Organised, able to manage competing priorities
• Confident working both independently and collaboratively
• Good IT skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Ability to travel independently between settings and sites across Portsmouth

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