Inclusion Practitioner - Family Hubs

Main purpose of the role:
The Best Start Inclusion Practitioner will play a key role in delivering the Best Start Family Hub vision by leading and supporting inclusive practice for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and their families. The postholder will ensure early identification, timely intervention and coordinated multi agency support, enabling children and families to achieve the best possible outcomes and access universal and targeted services equitably.

The role will contribute to reducing inequalities, strengthening early help pathways and embedding a preventative, whole family approach in line with statutory duties, local SEND strategies and the Family Hub model.

• Promote the early identification of SEND and additional needs for babies and young children, working with families and partner agencies to address concerns at the earliest opportunity.
• Support and contribute to the graduated approach, ensuring that appropriate strategies and interventions are in place at universal and targeted levels.
• Reduce escalation to specialist or statutory services through effective early help and preventative intervention.

• Work directly with families to provide advice, guidance and practical support in relation to SEND, development and inclusion.
• Empower parents and carers to understand their child’s strengths and needs, enabling informed decision‑making and advocacy.
• Promote a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed and relationship‑focused approach in all work with families.

• Champion inclusive practice across the Best Start Family Hub offer, ensuring children with SEND and additional needs can access and benefit from universal services.
• Support Family Hub staff and partners to adapt environments, approaches and activities to meet diverse needs.
• Identify and address barriers to engagement, particularly for families experiencing disadvantage or exclusion.
• Plan and deliver universal groups for children and families with SEND.

• Work in close partnership with early years settings, health services, SEND teams, voluntary and community sector organisations and other relevant professionals.
• Support coordinated, integrated responses to meet children’s needs in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
• Contribute to multi‑agency planning, reviews and information sharing in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

• Provide professional advice and informal consultation to Family Hub practitioners and partner services in relation to SEND‑inclusive practice.
• Support workforce development by modelling good practice and contributing to learning and reflective discussions.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement within the Best Start Family Hub model.

• Promote the safety and welfare of children at all times, in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely and proportionate records in accordance with local authority requirements.
• Contribute to monitoring outcomes, evaluating impact and supporting service improvement.