Best Start Inclusion Practitioner

Job Title: Best Start Inclusion Practitioner 
Salary: £29,253 - £32,736 per annum
Grade: C 
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 12 months with the potential to extend
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role 

The Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (BSIP) provides early help and inclusion-focused support to children, families, early years settings and schools, enabling emerging needs to be identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity. The role is central to preventing escalation into statutory services where this is appropriate, through high-quality relationship-based practice and robust use of graduated response approaches.

The role supports delivery of Thurrock’s Best Start in Life, SEND Inclusion and early intervention priorities and operates within a multi-agency system spanning education, health and community partners.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference by working directly with families and education settings to strengthen inclusive practice, build confidence and capability within universal and targeted services, and contribute to improved outcomes for children.

What We’re Looking For 

 We’re looking for someone who has: 

• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with families and professionals


• Experience of working with children and families in education, early years settings of family support contexts


• Experience of supporting children with SEND and their families


• Commitment to inclusive, child-centred and family-centred practice


• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain information clearly and sensitively

Essential Qualifications:  Relevant Level 3 qualification (e.g. Early Years, Education, Health, SEND or equivalent)

DBS Check: Enhanced with Children's Barred List is required for this post

Benefits of Working with Us 

 At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• Generous annual leave entitlement 


• Local Government Pension Scheme 


• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) 


• Ongoing training and professional development 


• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support 


• Staff discounts and local offers 


• A supportive and inclusive working environment 

Important Dates 

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 13^th August 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External):  13^th September 2026

Interview Date: 18^th September 2026 

Additional Information 

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: 

Alison Picknell on email at [email protected] 

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: 

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications. 

Safer Recruitment Application Requirements

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.  Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. 

Gaps in Employment Form 

Gaps in Employment Example