Early Years Specialist

SEND & Portage Early Years Specialist – Southampton City Council

Southampton City Council is recruiting 2 SEND & Portage Early Years Specialists to support children aged 0–3 with developmental delays, additional needs and disabilities.

This is an opportunity for experienced Early Years professionals passionate about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to help improve outcomes for children and support their families.

Job Overview

• Employer: Southampton City Council
• Job Title: SEND & Portage Early Years Specialist
• Salary: £33,119 – £37,562 per annum
• Starting Salary: £33,119, with annual progression through the salary bands
• Location: Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Number of Vacancies: 2
• Job Reference: 17223
• Closing Date: 5 November 2026
• Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

About the Role

The successful candidates will join Southampton City Council’s SEND & Portage Early Years Specialist team, delivering Portage teaching and wider support to families of children aged 0–3 with developmental delays, additional needs or disabilities.

You will work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development through positive teaching strategies and tailored support.

The council offers a supportive working environment, with training and opportunities to develop your professional skills in SEND and Early Years.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Portage teaching and support to families of children with SEND.
• Work in partnership with parents and carers to support children’s development.
• Use positive teaching strategies to encourage learning and development.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals and services.
• Support and empower families from diverse backgrounds.
• Adapt your approach to different situations and individual family needs.
• Carry out home visits in a range of environments.
• Contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least 2 years’ experience working in Early Years and with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience or ability to work in partnership with parents and carers.
• Ability to use positive teaching strategies.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to different situations.
• Confidence and ability to work independently and undertake home visits.
• Enthusiasm, a goal-oriented approach and the ability to empower families.

Driving Requirements: A full driving licence and daily access to a car are essential for this position.

Training and Professional Development

Southampton City Council provides training and support to help successful candidates develop their professional skills and knowledge in SEND and Early Years.

You will join a close-knit team and have opportunities for coaching, mentoring and further professional development.

Salary and Employee Benefits

The salary ranges from £33,119 to £37,562 per year, with a starting salary of £33,119 and annual progression through the salary bands.

Additional benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme with a 15.2% employer contribution.
• Generous annual leave of 25–31 days, depending on role and service.
• Death-in-service benefit of three times annual salary.
• Flexible working options, depending on the role.
• Family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Training, coaching and mentoring opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support.
• Retail discounts and savings.
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Two paid volunteering days per year.

Safeguarding and DBS Requirements

This position involves working with children and requires an Enhanced DBS Disclosure before an offer of employment can be made.

Applicants who have lived outside the UK within the last five years must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct or police certificate from the relevant country or countries.

The cost of obtaining these certificates and any required English translations will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Application and Selection Process

Applications will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the official job description.

Applicants should carefully review the job description and provide clear evidence in their application form showing how they meet the required criteria.

Important: A CV alone will not be accepted as an application.

Informal Enquiries

For further information about the role, contact:

• Kat Boriani: 07881 707371 | Katherine.boriani@southampton.gov.uk
• Jo Mellor: 07881 797079 | Joanne.mellor@southampton.gov.uk

Recruitment Team

• Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk
• Telephone: 023 8083 4033

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official Southampton City Council recruitment website.

Closing Date: 5 November 2026

Job Reference: 17223