Job Title: Inclusion Development Officer
Starting Salary: £38,220 progressing to £41,771 per annum (pro rata for part time)
This is a term time only role. Working weeks per year for this role is 41 therefore, the above-mentioned salary will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
The pro rata salary for this role is £34,525 progressing to £37,733 per annum
Hours: 37.0
Location: Watford
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services
We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Early Years Inclusion and Development Officer’s to join our dynamic Early Years SEND Service. The location is as follows:
- Watford / Three Rivers and Hertsmere
Our team ensures the educational and developmental progress of children (0-7), with a range of SEN/D and additional needs, is met in line with the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy and HCC strategic objectives.
The Inclusion and Development Officer (IDO) role sits within the Early Years SEND team and primarily focuses on promoting inclusive practice within pre-schools. The role provides systemic advice, support, and training to private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) early years’ settings.
A willingness to deliver early years training and support flexibly on occasions is desirable (evenings/out of term time).
Essential:
- Hold a relevant qualification in Early Years, Education, or SEND (ideally Level 6), or demonstrate extensive equivalent experience.
- Recent hands-on experience in an Early Years setting supporting children with SEND, including delivering interventions in roles such as, SENCo, teacher, manager, or advisor.
- A strong commitment to helping children and families achieve the best possible outcomes.
- A confident and knowledgeable practitioner who can offer sound advice, ask the right questions, and support others with empathy and professionalism.
- A team player who thrives in multi-agency environments and can navigate sensitive conversations with compassion and clarity.
- Ability to work flexibly, manage your own dairy and travel across a wide geographical area.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Good level of written and ICT skills
Desirable:
- Experience designing and delivering training or workshops in Early Years settings.
- Comfortable leading professional development sessions, with support provided during induction.
- Further relevant qualifications in SEND/ Inclusion
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
This job role is within the Health and Social Care Services, level HSC10 job profile. Please locate this via:
Job profiles – Health and social care
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Debbi Watson (debbi.watson@hertfordshire.gov.uk) for an informal discussion about the role.
Interview Date: 25th and 26th February.
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
