Derbyshire County Council
We are looking for passionate, proactive individuals to join our Portage Service as Best Start Inclusion Practitioners (BSIPs) within our newly developed Best Start Family Hubs.
With opportunities available across our Family Hub network in Derbyshire, you’ll be based within a local community, building trusted relationships and providing early, accessible support where it can have the greatest impact.
Working across Family Hubs, community settings and with partners, you’ll support Families with children aged 0–5 who may have emerging or identified needs and support the connection for families with the right support, helping build confidence, prevent challenges from escalating, and improve long-term outcomes.
If you’re committed to early intervention and inclusion and want to make a real difference in the lives of young children and families, this is an exciting opportunity to join our Best Start Family Hub Team and help shape its future.
The Opportunity
As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will be a welcoming and trusted presence in Best Start Family Hubs and across the community network, making it easier for families to access the right support at the right time. You will be providing support in the following ways:
Early Identification: identifying developmental or emerging needs early through observations and family engagement.
Family Navigation: Helping families understand and navigate local services including inclusion pathways, financial support and community resources.
Joined-Up Working: Collaborating with health services, early years providers, and local SEND teams and community partners to provide joined up support.
Direct Support: Offering drop-ins, short-term early support workshops, and family sessions at Family Hubs and across the Best Start community network.
About You
To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have…
Experience of working with young children and families, alongside a genuine passion for making a difference through early intervention and inclusion.
We’re looking for someone who:
• Can identify emerging needs and recognise when additional support may be required.
• Builds trusting relationships and communicate with families in a supportive, approachable way.
• Takes a practical, empathetic approach and is confident providing hands-on support.
• Works effectively across community settings and in partnership with other professionals.
• Is committed to inclusion and improving outcomes for children and families.
You’ll also have:
• Knowledge and experience of SEND and inclusion, of child development and an understanding of the identification of additional needs.
• Experience supporting families in community, early years or similar settings.
• A relevant Level 3 qualification.
Above all, you’ll be approachable, compassionate and committed to helping children and families thrive through high-quality early support.
For any further information please contact Samantha Cardwell, email Samantha.Cardwell@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone 01629 535507.
Provisional interview date – 07 October 2026
