Team Leader: Best Start Inclusion

Are you ready for the next step in your career? If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusion, early intervention and improving outcomes for children with SEND, this could be the role for you. Join our dedicated SEND Early Years Service and help shape inclusive practice in the Family Hubs across East Sussex.

As Team Leader: Best Start Inclusion, you will play a key role in improving outcomes for children aged 0–5 with emerging or identified SEND. You will lead a skilled team delivering targeted early intervention and inclusion support across Family Hubs, early years settings and community provision, helping children and families access the right support at the earliest opportunity.

You will provide operational leadership, supervision and quality assurance for Best Start Inclusion Practitioners, oversee referrals and caseloads, promote inclusive practice, develop workforce capability, and work closely with partners across education, health and family services to ensure high-quality, impactful support.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Hold an RQF Level 4 qualification in a relevant field and have RQF Level 2 English and Maths (or willingness and ability to pass assessments)
• Have experience of working with children aged 0–5 with SEND and an understanding of child development, early identification, inclusive practice and school readiness
• Have knowledge of SEND legislation, the graduated response, safeguarding and early help systems
• Have experience of leading, supervising or supporting staff and can motivate others to achieve outcomes
• Can communicate effectively with a range of people, work collaboratively across agencies, and manage competing priorities

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will take place on Monday 20 July 2026 in person at St Mary's House, Eastbourne.

If you are unavailable on this date, let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative interview date.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

Please contact Jake Perry - Deputy Service Manager on Tel: 01273 335 270, Mob: 07525 387 496 or [email protected] if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role.

Why Join Us?

The successful applicant will become an integral part of this highly regarded team, promoting excellent inclusive practice and the early identification of SEND needs within Family Hubs, local settings and schools, whilst working in partnership with families and other agencies.

The SEND Early Years Service, part of the East Sussex Education Division, is a county-wide service and travel will depend on service need. The postholder will oversee teams across the county and be expected to work within Family Hubs across East Sussex, as well as our three Education Division bases in Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings.

You will be supported through a comprehensive induction programme, quality supervision, case discussion and peer support, helping you develop and thrive in your role.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.