Early Years SEND Portage Practitioner - Education - Secondment or Fixed Term, Grade 9 £39,264 - £40,833

Croydon is one of the 75 Local Authorities funded by the Department of Education and Department of Health and Social Care to implement the Family Hubs Transformation programme and deliver Start for Life funded services. The new delivery model provides a 'front door' into universal services for all families with very young children and a gateway to services for older children, young people 0-19 years (up to 25 years with SEND) and their families. We are looking for an experienced early years practitioner with extensive working knowledge and understanding of supporting children with special educational needs in a home setting and education/children's center setting. The role will support the development of Croydon Family Hubs , with a particular focus on delivering the Start for Life and Best Start offer, engaging with parents and carers with children aged 0-5 years. providing practical, relevant and holistic support for families. Working within the Education Directorate and alongside

colleagues from the wider Start for Life services you will be working to develop the current SEND model for support for children who are not yet accessing an education provision. This is an exciting opportunity to play an active and central role in supporting children's development through face to face, virtual and Home learning sessions. This role will sit with the Early Years SEND team and will report to the Early Years Team Manager. We are keen to ensure that our service is able to respond to the changing needs of our community and work within our localities offering interventions to children, families and care networks. Portage training is desirable but candidates with extensive experience of working with children with more complex needs will be considered. You will be expected to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day with a range of heavy and/or bulky equipment, so use of a car is essential.

About You
Experience of using the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children's development.

A relevant professional qualification in Health, Education, or Social Care for working with young children and families at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
Strong knowledge and working practice of supporting children with profound and multiple learning disabilities in both a home, community and/ or education setting.
Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation (Children & Families Act 2014; SEN Code of Practice January 2015.
Knowledge of strategies to support children with a range of special educational needs e.g. Makaton, PECS.
Understanding of risk and protective factors when assessing need, risk and vulnerability, and a good understanding of national and local safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Able to work sensitively with families in a range of circumstances to empower and enable them to support their child's development.
Effective use of Information Technology including casework systems.
Personal commitment to the provision of an excellent customer and public service.
Recent and relevant experience of working with children who have a range of severe and profound special educational needs both in a home setting and/ or education setting.
Experience of working in a strength based, solution focussed way to break down barriers where there is resistance.

You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:

Highly competitive compensation package

29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more

A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%

Continuing Professional Development - genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career

Management development programmes

Investment into your wellbeing

Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)

We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance