Early Years Inclusion Practitioner

Permanent
Part Time 22.5 hours per week

The main purpose of the role is to contribute to the Directorate’s objectives of promoting inclusion and raising achievement for vulnerable children aged 0 to 5, using the Portage model and Early Support programme. As part of the induction training the successful candidate will undertake the Portage training.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

We are recruiting 1 Early Years Inclusion Practitioner in the Exeter and East Locality. This is a part time post of 22.5 hours per week.

Early Years Inclusion Practitioner will:

• Ensure every child aged 0–5 with complex SEND can access learning, play, and meaningful participation within early years settings, identifying and reducing barriers to inclusion, development, engagement, and attendance.
• Work collaboratively with families, early years providers, health professionals, and other agencies to deliver coordinated, child-centred support that builds the capacity of practitioners and empowers families to meet the individual needs of young children with complex SEND.
• Support the effective implementation of statutory SEND responsibilities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), providing guidance and challenge to ensure inclusive practice, early identification, appropriate provision, and positive outcomes for children with complex needs.

Candidates will have:

• In depth knowledge and understanding of child development and the EYFS
• Recent work experience of working with children 0-5 years with complex SEND needs and be able to give examples of how to adapt activities, to meet individual needs and promote inclusion.
• Experience of working in partnership with parents / carers.
• Knowledge and / or experience of the Portage Model.
• Experience of working with multiple agencies across health, Education and Social Care.
• Excellent communication skills and experience of using a wide range of communication methods, for example objects of reference, Makaton signing and visuals.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Provide children with the opportunity to express their views in an age appropriate way, to have their opinions considered and to be able to influence the shaping of services.
• Work in partnership with parents / carers of babies and young children with complex needs in their homes and/or early years settings to support the child’s overall development by implementing Portage Principles.
• Carry a caseload of children age 0 – 5 with complex additional needs, acting as the Child’s lead professional where appropriate.
• Carry out structured observations and open-ended, outcome focused activities and use other appropriate assessment tools to prepare information for 6 monthly reviews of children and provide feedback (verbal and written) to parents, setting staff, team and other multi-agency colleagues.
• Reference the Early Years Foundation Stage and early Support programme when developing individual programmes.
• Work in conjunction with parents, carers and multi-agency colleagues to support a child-centred approach to learning. Introduce and model appropriate strategies to support the development of children with a wide range of needs through highly creative and individual approaches to each child as appropriate.
• Attend planning and review meetings in partnership with the family and other involved professionals.
• Provide transition support into early years settings and schools where appropriate.
• Attend regular supervision, team meetings and service meetings when requested.
• Participate in continued personal and professional development opportunities.
• assist in ongoing and future service developments as directed by the line manager and service lead.
• Carry out lone working with families, whilst working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young children with complex SEND and their families. You will join a highly skilled and supportive team committed to inclusion, partnership working and achieving the best possible outcomes for children.

If you are passionate about early intervention, inclusion and empowering families, we would love to hear from you.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.
  

For an informal discussion please contact Donna Lester Donna.Lester@devon.gov.uk

Interview Date: 17/11/2026

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.