Early Years SEND Support Worker

As part of Oxfordshire's ambitious SEND Reform Programme, Experts at Hand brings together specialist professionals to provide earlier, more coordinated support for children, young people and families. Through closer partnership working and a focus on prevention and inclusion, we're transforming how support is delivered across Oxfordshire and creating opportunities for professionals to make an even greater impact.

As an Early Years SEND Support Worker, you will work directly with young children with SEND and their families, helping them access the support, opportunities and interventions they need to thrive.

• Working across family homes, early years settings, schools and community locations, you will provide practical, hands-on support that improves outcomes for children and builds confidence in the adults around them.
• You will work closely with Early Years SEND Teachers and other professionals to deliver targeted interventions, model effective strategies and help children develop communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence skills.
• You will be alert and curious about the welfare and wellbeing of children and consistently follow safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children from harm.
• No two days will be the same: one day you might be supporting parents to implement strategies at home, the next you could be working alongside practitioners in a nursery, helping them adapt their approach to better meet a child's needs.
• You’ll play an important role in identifying strengths, overcoming barriers to participation and ensuring that children receive support as early as possible.
• Through your work, you'll help create positive experiences for children and families at a crucial stage of development.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for young children and committed to inclusive practice.

• You have experience working with children in an early years, education, care or SEND environment and understand the importance of child-centred and family-centred approaches.
• You’ll be able to build positive relationships quickly, communicate effectively with a wide range of people and adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
• You will be someone who is patient, empathetic and organised, with the confidence to work independently whilst contributing positively to a supportive and collaborative team.
• We're particularly interested in hearing from candidates who:
  Have experience supporting children with SEND in early years settings, schools or community environments.
  Understand child development and the importance of early intervention.
  Can build strong relationships with children, families and professionals.
  Are passionate about inclusion and helping children overcome barriers to learning and participation.
  Are motivated by making a meaningful difference every day.
• Above all, you'll share our commitment to ensuring children and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

• Competitive salary
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Excellent annual leave entitlement
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• The chance to be part of one of the most exciting areas of change within children's services

Join us and help shape the future of SEND support in Oxfordshire. Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

• As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.
• We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job.
• For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.
• We are also committed to…