Portage Officer

The job itself

Hours and contract type: 1 x Permanent Full-time covering the east area of the East Riding and 1 x Permanent 30 hours per week covering Haltemprice and Wolds and Dales areas.

Are you passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and empowering families to help their children thrive? An exciting opportunity has arisen, and we are looking for two dedicated Portage Officer’s to join the Early Years Inclusion team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and their families.

About the Role

As a Portage Officer, you will deliver tailored home learning activities to children with SEND, supporting and empowering parents and carers in using known Portage strategies including the small steps approach. You will work closely with families to design tailored teaching plans, monitor progress, and support transitions into Early Years settings. You will manage a caseload of children, conduct development assessments, and collaborate in a multi-agency manner to ensure a holistic approach to supporting families.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed to providing a high-quality service for children and families across the East Riding, undertaking mobile working with regular home visits, so the ability to travel across the East Riding is essential. The Portage Officer role also involves physical activity including sitting on the floor and carrying equipment. There may be times when exposure to challenging environments and behaviours are experienced so emotional resilience is needed when supporting families in distress.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct observations and assessments using defined frameworks.
• Plan and model teaching activities with parents/carers.
• Monitor and review children’s progress.
• Support the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process.
• Facilitate transitions to Early Years settings.
• Maintain accurate and auditable records and reports.
• Collaborate with professionals across agencies.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 4 qualification in Early Years Practice (or equivalent).
• Accredited National Portage Association (NPA) qualification (Desirable).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS framework, SEND Code of Practice, and child development.
• Experience working with children with SEND and delivering early years teaching.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work sensitively in family homes.
• Ability to manage a caseload and adapt to reactive situations.

Join us in shaping brighter futures for children with SEND.