We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional to lead our Best Start Inclusion Team, delivering high-quality SEND support for children aged 0-5 years and their families across County Durham.
As part of our Best Start Family Hubs, you will play a key role in ensuring families can access early help through a joined-up, inclusive service that brings together education, health, and family support.
You will manage a team of Best Start Inclusion Practitioners, ensuring consistent, high-quality support is available across hubs, outreach venues and family homes.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will;
- Lead the development of the 0-5 SEND offer within Best Start Family Hubs
- Provide line management, supervision and support to Inclusion Practitioners
- Work closely with partners across health, education, SEND and voluntary sectors
- Support early identification of need using evidence-based approaches
- Develop clear pathways to ensure families receive the right support at the right time
- Promote inclusive practice across early years and family services
- Monitor performance, outcomes and impact against key priorities
- Represent the service at multi-agency meetings and strategic forums
We encourage you to contact Alison Ghent via email at
[email protected] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
Identify the key qualifications, experience, skills and personal qualities required from the Person Specification.
- A relevant degree (e.g. Early Years, Education, Health)
- Strong experience working with children aged 0-5 with SEND and their families
- Experience of managing or leading staff teams
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and early child development
- Experience of multi-agency working and delivering targeted interventions
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Childrens Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 29th / 30th July 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email
[email protected]
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from
[email protected]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.
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