Portage Inclusion Practitioner

Make a difference to the lives of pre-school children with significant additional needs

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Portage Inclusion Practitioner to join our team on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery and development of an excellent Portage Service, providing specialist educational programs, instruction, help and advice to families with pre-school children who have significant additional needs, including complex educational needs or challenging behaviour. This role involves working closely with early years education and childcare providers within the framework of the Services for Young Children (SfYC) Service Plan, and Children’s and Young Peoples Plan.

Hampshire County Council’s Services for Young Children (SfYC) Inclusion Team is dedicated to improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We work in partnership with educational settings, families, and other agencies to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

For over 40 years Portage has been providing a highly professional educational home visiting service for families of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The positive outcomes for families and children make this area of work hugely rewarding.

There are 2 roles available and you will be asked on your application form to state which you are applying for:

• Havant, temporary until 31/07/2027, 37 hours per week
• Alton, permanent, 22 hours per week

You will use professional skills, knowledge and experience of child development to assess, set targets and promote the development of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities, through partnership with parents/carers and early years education and childcare practitioners. You will encourage parents/carers and early years education and childcare practitioners to develop their skills and strengths to meet children’s individual needs

You will provide a home visiting service to parents/carers to support children identified as having additional needs at ‘SEN Support’ and an outreach service to early years education and childcare settings to support children identified as having additional needs at ‘SEN Support.’

If you are passionate about inclusion, making a difference for children with SEND and have the experience and expertise to support parents/carers and early years practitioners, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Experienced in working with families and pre‑school children, you will have an in-depth knowledge of child development in the early years and approaches to supporting vulnerable families, particularly children with SEND. You will be well organised and self‑motivated. You will be a good listener and communicator; you will also have a tactful and sensitive approach.

Please complete the Application Form clearly stating how you meet all of the role requirements. CVs will not be considered.