Best Start Inclusion Team Lead SEND

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
  
  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.

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.