At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children under 5 with barriers to learning through home visits and early intervention.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on early childhood development and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and help families thrive.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and experience with early years children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 32061 £ per year.
About The Role
Herefordshire Council
- Contract: 2 Years Fixed Term
- Hours: 37 per week
- Salary: HC06 £28,142 – £32,061 per annum
- Location: Widemarsh Children’s Centre, Hereford
- Closing date: 02/06/2026
- Interview date: 16/06/2026
Role
The Portage Worker will support children who may have barriers to academic achievement as part of the Best Start In Life Initiative.
Responsibilities include:
- Delivering Portage‑based home‑visiting early intervention to children under 5.
- Working closely with the Early SEND Lead and early years settings to support children's development.
- Building strong relationships with families and partners.
About You (Qualifications)
- An up‑to‑date formal Childcare and Education qualification to Level 3.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Herefordshire.
- Recent experience supporting early years children with additional needs.
- Practical knowledge of using graded resources to support early development.
- Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Equality Act (2010) and the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; teamwork oriented.
Benefits
Competitive salary and 31 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata) plus
Portage Worker - Early Years SEND Team in Hereford employer: WMJobs
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the development of both employees and the community. As a Portage Worker in the Early Years SEND Team, you will benefit from competitive pay, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Hereford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portage Worker - Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Portage Worker role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for roles in early years SEND support and practice your answers. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your enthusiasm for supporting children with additional needs. Talk about your experiences and how they align with the Best Start In Life Initiative – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Portage Worker - Early Years SEND Team in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Portage Worker. We want to see how you can support children with additional needs, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Level 3 Childcare and Education qualification! We’re keen to see how your formal training prepares you for this role, so be clear about your qualifications and any relevant experience you have.
Highlight Your Communication Skills:As a Portage Worker, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and teamwork experience. We love seeing how you’ve built relationships with families and partners in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on that step!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage and the SEND Code of Practice. Brush up on your knowledge about the barriers to academic achievement for children under 5, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported early years children with additional needs. Highlight how you’ve used graded resources to aid their development, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and hands-on experience.
✨Build Rapport
Since building strong relationships with families is key, think about how you can convey your interpersonal skills during the interview. Practice discussing how you’ve successfully collaborated with parents and other professionals in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Best Start In Life Initiative and how the Early SEND Lead envisions the role of a Portage Worker. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.
