Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

3 years fixed term contract

We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and passionate Best Start Inclusion Practitioner to join our Early Years SEND Team and be part of Reading's Family Hub network.

This rewarding role focuses on supporting children aged 0 to 5 with emerging or identified additional needs and helping families access the right support at the earliest possible opportunity. Working directly with children, parents and carers, you will play a key role in promoting inclusion, reducing barriers to accessing services, and improving outcomes for young children across Reading.

As a visible and accessible presence within our Family Hubs, community settings and family homes, you will help families understand their child's needs, navigate local services and access early intervention support through a strength-based, family-centred approach.

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.

About the role

You will:

• Provide frontline SEND and inclusion support within Family Hubs and community settings
• Support families through drop-ins, group sessions, stay and play activities and home visits
• Help identify emerging SEND needs through observation, assessment tools and professional judgement.
• Deliver targeted interventions and parenting support to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Support families to access appropriate services through effective signposting and multi-agency working.
• Promote inclusive practice and model strategies that help children participate fully in everyday activities.
• Contribute to the delivery of inclusive Family Hub activities, SEND groups and parenting programmes.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Early Years, Child Development, SEND, Health or a related field.
• Has substantial experience working with children aged 0-5 and their families.
• Has experience supporting children with emerging or identified SEND.
• Understands child development and early years practice
• Has experience working with multiple agencies and supporting families to navigate services
• Has experience within Family Hubs, community settings or as an Early Years SENCO.
• Can build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Is organised, adaptable and able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Is committed to inclusive practice and improving outcomes for children and families

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Aimee.Trimmer@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026
Interview Date: 8th and 9th October 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed