Portage Inclusion Practitioner

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.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

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.

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward‑looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work‑life balance. You will receive a comprehensive induction programme with all necessary training.

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles. To find out more about what we offer please see our benefits package.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!