Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Are you passionate about ensuring every child has the best possible start in life? Do you have the knowledge, skills and dedication to champion inclusion and support children with emerging needs and SEND? If so, Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Best Start Family Hubs team on a full-time and fixed term contract basis (until 30th March 2029).
Working closely with families, early years providers, health professionals and the Early Years SEND Team, you will play a key role in promoting inclusive practice, supporting early intervention, and ensuring children receive the right support at the right time to thrive and achieve their full potential. As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will work across Best Start Family Hubs to embed high-quality inclusive practice and support children with emerging additional needs. You will design and deliver targeted groups and interventions for families, provide practical advice and guidance to parents and carers, and help ensure that children have access to the support they need to succeed.
You will work collaboratively with the Early Years SEND Team, health visitors, education settings and partner agencies to identify children who may require additional support at the earliest opportunity. Through coaching, modelling best practice and sharing evidence-based approaches, you will help strengthen the confidence and capability of practitioners and families alike.
A key aspect of the role will involve building trusted relationships with families, empowering them to support their child’s development and helping to remove barriers to learning. You will also support effective transitions into early years settings and primary school, ensuring children and families receive a joined-up and positive experience.
You will maintain accurate records, monitor the impact of interventions and contribute to local priorities that improve outcomes for children across Southend. Safeguarding responsibilities will be central to your work, ensuring vulnerable children and families receive appropriate support and protection.
To meet the needs of the service the successful candidate will be required to work evening and Saturday morning.
What you’ll need to succeed
You will have a strong understanding of child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the SEND Code of Practice, alongside experience of identifying and supporting children with emerging needs.
You will have proven experience of working successfully with children and families, building positive professional relationships and empowering parents and carers to support their child’s development. Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to work effectively with families, practitioners and partner agencies in both written and verbal settings.
You will be organised, able to manage competing priorities and confident working independently as well as collaboratively within a multi-agency environment. Experience of coaching, advising or supporting practitioners, along with the ability to analyse information, maintain accurate records and produce reports, will be important to your success in the role.
The successful candidate must hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Health or Social Care and have GCSEs in English and Maths (Grades A* to C).
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
