Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Help Children Get the Best Start in Life

Are you passionate about supporting young children and families? Do you have experience working with children with emerging developmental needs, inclusion needs or SEND?

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled  Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Best Start Family Hub Network. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the early identification of developmental needs and SEND, helping families access the right support at the earliest opportunity.

Working across Family Hubs, community settings and family homes where appropriate, you will provide practical advice, guidance and reassurance to families while promoting inclusive practice and supporting positive outcomes for children aged 0 to 5.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

Help Children Get the Best Start in Life

Are you passionate about supporting young children and families? Do you have experience working with children with emerging developmental needs, inclusion needs or SEND?

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled  Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Best Start Family Hub Network. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the early identification of developmental needs and SEND, helping families access the right support at the earliest opportunity.

About the Role

As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will:

• Act as a first point of contact for families seeking advice, guidance and support around child development and inclusion.
• Support the early identification of emerging developmental needs and SEND using evidence-based approaches and professional judgement.
• Deliver flexible short-term interventions, drop-ins, advice sessions and group activities.
• Help families access universal, targeted and specialist services without unnecessary delays.
• Promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and partner organisations.
• Support practitioners and colleagues through advice, consultation and shared learning.
• Contribute to the development of the Family Hub SEND offer and co-production with families.
• Work collaboratively with education, health, social care and voluntary sector partners.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

Essential Requirements

• A minimum Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Early Years, Education, Health, SEND, Child Development or a related field.
• Significant experience of working with children, families or carers where developmental concerns, inclusion needs or SEND have been present.
• Good knowledge of child development, SEND and early years inclusion.
• Understanding of strengths-based, family-centred and inclusive practice.
• Experience of working in partnership with education, health, children's services and voluntary sector organisations.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are:

• Curious and inquisitive, asking questions to identify opportunities.
• Thoughtful and analytical in your approach.
• Resilient, energetic and solution-focused.
• An excellent listener who understands the needs of families.
• Skilled at presenting information in a way that engages others.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

What We Offer

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave rising to 31 days with service
• Opportunities to earn additional leave
• Learning and development opportunities
• Family-friendly leave policies
• Employee discounts across shopping, hospitality, motoring and health services
• Life cover through the pension scheme

Apply Today

If you are passionate about making a difference to children and families and want to be part of a service that provides support at the earliest opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in helping every child have the best possible start in life.

Further Information

If you would like further information on the role, please email Claire Woods: View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and children.  It’s a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group (i.e. adults at risk, children, or both).

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see 

No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment.  Please see the  Equality Policy for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.

For any technical enquiries please email  View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.