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Contract: Part Time, 2-Year Fixed-Term Contract

Hours: 30 hours per week - working pattern to be agreed with your line manager

Location: Hybrid, with travel to various services across the Isle of Wight

Benefits - all pro-rata

• 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Life Assurance - 2x annual salary
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan

About Us

We 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 SENDIASS

Polaris 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 SEND Practitioner within the Family Hubs network on the Isle of Wight. This nationally recognised role sits at the heart of the government's Family Hubs vision and offers a unique opportunity to help shape and strengthen the SEND offer across Family Hubs on 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.

Requirements

We 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 families
• A strong understanding of child development, early years practice and inclusive approaches
• Excellent partnership-working skills and experience of working effectively within multi-agency environments
• A commitment to empowering families and ensuring they receive support as early as possible
• An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years, health, social care, family support or a related field, or relevant equivalent experience
• Experience supporting children with SEND, disabilities and/or additional needs
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and its application within relevant services
• A SEND law qualification is desirable, or a willingness to work towards IPSEA SEN Law Training at Level 1 within the first year of employment
• A proactive and organised approach, with a passion for improving outcomes for children
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, as well as databases
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• The ability to work independently, manage a varied caseload and use professional judgement within a multi-agency environment

Responsibilities

The Best Start SEND Practitioner plays a vital role in ensuring children with developmental, SEND and 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 needs
• Work directly with children and families to help them understand their child's development and navigate available services with confidence
• Facilitate group activities such as workshops and drop-in sessions
• Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND, social care and community services
• Promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and related services and settings

Polaris 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.

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

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