Early Years Inclusion Specialists

Job Title: Early Years Inclusion Specialists
Starting Salary: £31,537 progressing to £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 32.5, 26 and 21.46
Location: Countywide
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services

We are recruiting to 1 full time position which is 32.5 hours per week covering the East of the County.

We are also recruiting to 2 Part time positions, one at 26 hours per week and one at 21.46 hours per week covering the West of the County.

About the team

We are seeking dedicated and knowledgeable Early Years Inclusion Specialists to join our dynamic Early Years SEND Service.

We ensure 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. Our Early Years Inclusion Specialists work in close partnership with our Advisory Teachers to support the implementation of advice, modelling strategies and interventions. Coaching and equipping practitioners across Early Years settings and schools through outreach support, whilst also building confidence and knowledge in parents and carers through training delivery, home visits and supporting intervention classes at our Early Years Specialist Development Centres for children with complex SEND needs.

About the role

This is a key role to support children to succeed, by providing training and inclusion support to settings and families, to ensure they are equipped to support early years children with SEND needs.

Tasks include:

• To conduct setting and home visits and support delivery of group intervention sessions at Early Years Specialist Development Centers and other specialist groups (e.g., Early Years Autism Parent Training).
• To provide SEND information, signposting, and practical strategies to parents, carers, and practitioners.
• You will empower families to support their child’s development and implement agreed strategies.
• You will support planning, assessment and monitoring progress towards childrens individual outcomes.
• You will support the organisation and delivery of specialist Intervention sessions, through preparing resources and activities, working closely with partners, communicating with parents/carers and settings, being organised, prepared, creative, positive and solution focused.
• You will model inclusive strategies and use of resources during sessions and visits.

In partnership with the Specialist Advisory Teacher, you'll be guided on the specialist strategies and interventions needed for the children, by modelling and training the identified strategies and interventions to setting practitioners and families in an engaging manner. Once embedded, you'll then go on to review their progress.

About you

Essential:

• NVQ level 3 or above in early years education.
• Experience of working with children who have a range of SEN/D in Early Years settings, and with families.
• Knowledge and experience of specialist strategies and interventions for children with additional needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, must be fluent in English both spoken and written for public facing role.
• Proficient in the use of technology e.g. laptop, iPad etc.
• Ability to work independently in settings.
• Ability to work as part of a team and in collaboration with a range of partners including setting staff and other professionals.
• Sound judgement and analytical ability in order to understand the needs of the child with SEND and the context of the setting in order to provide appropriate support.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice and key national initiatives.
• Ability to travel independently – driving license and access to a vehicle is essential.
• Safeguarding: This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. Disclosure of any cautions, reprimands, or convictions is a contractual obligation.

Desirable:

• Additional qualification in a specific area of SEND, Early Years, HLTA, Teaching
• Experience working in EYFS in school settings
• Experience supporting the delivery of training and/or working in a coaching/supporting capacity.

This role is a great opportunity for career progression and development into a specialist area of practice, working as part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team of passionate early years SEND professionals. Early Years Inclusion Specialists play a pivotal role in supporting parents and carers to understand their child’s needs and navigate SEND systems and processes. You will also have a fundamental role in exacting change through your contact with Early Years Settings and schools, supporting the development of inclusive provision and practice, impacting children’s outcomes and progress through all that you do.

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 HSC8 job profile. Please locate this via:

Job profiles - Health and social care

To hear more about this opportunity please contact Eilish Foley (eilish.foley@hertfordshire.gov.uk) or Debbi Watson (debbi.watson@hertfordshire.gov.uk)

Interview Date: 20th and 21st November

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

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.

Additional information

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.