Portage Officer

Brent Early Years Portage Officer

Salary range: £37,692 - £39,276 p.a. inc. London weighting pro rata.

Contract:

36 month fixed term – end date 31st March 2029.

Hours of work: 36 hours FTE 1.0 – Term Time Working (39 weeks).

Location:

Brent Civic Centre as well as other locations as required.

Empower families. Champion early intervention. Give every child the best possible start.

Join Brent’s dynamic SEND Outreach Service at an exciting time of transformation, as we bring to life the vision set out in the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, including the innovative “Experts at Hand” approach.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking team that places children, young people and their families at the heart of practice, working alongside them as valued partners in shaping inclusive, high‑quality support.

We are seeking passionate, reflective professionals who are committed to co‑production, early intervention and systemic change, and who are inspired by the opportunity to strengthen inclusive practice across settings.

In Brent, you will play a vital role in supporting some of our youngest and most vulnerable children, helping them develop the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive.

In this exciting role you will work together with two other Portage Officers and as part of the multi‑disciplinary Brent Early Years Inclusion Support Team. You will support some of the most complex young children with additional needs across the borough in both their home setting and a group setting in a local Family Wellbeing Centre. The post requires an excellent understanding and experience of Portage services and having key family support and advisory responsibilities.

• Delivering specialist Portage support and targeted early intervention programmes for children with complex additional needs
• Supporting children and families within home and group‑based environments
• Providing advice, guidance and practical support to parents and carers
• Planning, implementing and reviewing personalised intervention programmes to promote developmental progress
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across education, health and social care
• Supporting transitions into early years and educational settings
• Contributing to multi‑agency planning and coordinated support for children and families
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, record keeping and professional practice

Do you have clearly evidenced knowledge and experience of working in the Early Years sector with children with a range of complex SEND across the four broad areas of need?

If you are passionate about providing and advising on high‑quality support and interventions for this group of children, then this could be the role for you.

You will be an experienced Portage Officer/Early Years Professional with a strong background in supporting children with complex additional needs.

• Has significant experience working within the Early Years sector supporting children with complex SEND across the four broad areas of need
• Demonstrates excellent child development knowledge and a strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities
• Has relevant training and experience in Early Years SEND interventions
• Has a sound understanding of Early Years and SEND legislation, alongside in‑depth safeguarding knowledge
• Is confident liaising with parents and carers, early years staff and a range of multi‑agency professionals across education, health and social care
• Has excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills
• Has proven experience planning and implementing intervention sessions that support and promote progress
• Is able to take initiative, make informed decisions and work confidently in complex situations
• Can work effectively in partnership with a range of professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families
• Is a proactive team player who is adaptable, organised and committed to high‑quality practice

In this role you will travel across the borough, visiting children and their families, meeting with parents and carers, professionals and, where appropriate, early years settings to support…