Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND)

Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND)Salary: £23,400 pro-rata (£26,000 FTE)Contract: Part Time, 2-Year Fixed-Term ContractHours: 30 hours per week - working pattern to be agreed with your line managerLocation: Hybrid, with travel to various services across the Isle of WightBenefits - all pro-rata30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidaysCompany pensionLife Assurance - 2x annual salaryEmployee Discount SchemeMedical Cash PlanAbout UsWe are Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers.Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies that have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside leaving care services, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and we believe in their futures.PCS SENDIASSPolaris Children's Services (PCS) SENDIASS forms part of the Children's Services branch of Polaris. PCS SENDIASS provides timely, confidential and impartial information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).The aim of SENDIASS is to ensure that children and young people with SEND and their families are empowered to play an active and informed role in their education.We are extending our service to embed a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner with SEND expertise into the Family Hub network on the Isle of Wight.This nationally recognised role sits at the heart of the government's Family Hubs vision, offering a unique opportunity to help shape and strengthen the SEND family hub offer across the Isle of Wight.If you are passionate about inclusion, early intervention and making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you.RequirementsWe are looking for a motivated and compassionate practitioner who is committed to improving outcomes for children and families.You will have:Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their familiesA strong understanding of child development, early years practice and inclusive approachesExcellent partnership-working skills and experience of working effectively within multi-agency environmentsA commitment to empowering families and ensuring they receive support as early as possibleAn NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years, health, social care, family support or a related field, or relevant equivalent experienceExperience supporting children with SEND, disabilities and/or additional needsKnowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and its application within early years servicesA SEND law qualification is desirable, or you must be willing to work towards relevant IPSEA SEN Law qualifications within your first year of employmentA proactive and organised approach, with a passion for improving outcomes for childrenExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speakingConfidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, as well as databasesA full UK driving licence and access to a vehicleThe ability to work independently, manage a varied caseload and use professional judgement within a multi-agency environmentResponsibilitiesThe Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) plays a vital role in ensuring children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needs receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.Early identification and intervention can have a significant impact on children's development, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. In this role, you will provide flexible, responsive and family-centred support, helping children thrive and empowering families to access services, navigate SEND processes and advocate effectively for their child's needs.Based within Family Hubs across the Isle of Wight, with regular travel throughout the area, you will work in close partnership with Barnardo's and professionals across education, health, social care and SEND services to:Promote early identification and intervention for children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needsWork directly with children and families to help them understand their child's development and navigate available services with confidenceFacilitate group activities such as drop-in sessions and workshopsWork collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND, social care and community sectorsPromote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and all related services and settingsPolaris Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children's Services.Polaris Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.PandoLogic. Category:Healthcare, Keywords:Family Physician, Location:Ryde, ENG-PO33 2JF