Inclusion Support Practitioner

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Reading Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Inclusion Support Practitioner to join our newly developed Behaviour Support Service within RISE. This innovative service works with Reading's maintained primary schools to support the inclusion of children whose behaviour may present challenges, using evidence-based, therapeutic and multi-disciplinary approaches

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

As an Inclusion Support Practitioner, you will work directly with children, school staff and partners to promote inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children presenting with behaviours that challenge. Working under the guidance of a SEND Specialist, you will hold a caseload of children referred by schools and provide practical support, advice and coaching within educational settings.

You will play a key role in helping schools understand and respond to underlying needs, including SEND, and support the implementation of therapeutic and inclusive approaches aligned with Reading's agreed models, including Therapeutic Thinking Schools (TTS), SCERTS and autism-informed practice.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about inclusion, early intervention and helping children remain engaged in education.

• Work directly with primary-aged children and school staff to support inclusive and therapeutic approaches to behaviour.
• Coach and support school staff in implementing evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes for children.
• Provide advice, support and constructive challenge to schools regarding behavioural needs and underlying SEND.
• Support schools to understand and apply the graduated approach and ordinarily available provision.
• Deliver and facilitate training and professional development opportunities for school staff.
• Coordinate support and signposting to relevant outreach services and specialist provision.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across RISE, Educational Psychology, School Improvement, Early Help and Children's Social Care services.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Support initiatives aimed at preventing school exclusions and promoting positive educational experiences.
• Stay up to date with current research and best practice relating to behaviour, inclusion and SEND.

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting children and helping schools develop inclusive practices.

You will have:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Education or a related field.
• Experience working directly with primary school-aged children in a diverse community setting.
• Experience supporting children at risk of exclusion through therapeutic and relationship-based approaches.
• An understanding of behaviour as communication and the ability to identify potential underlying SEND needs.
• Experience working with schools and multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes for children.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practice and inclusive education approaches.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload effectively.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and continuous professional development.

Desirable experience includes delivering training and knowledge of approaches such as…