Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us .
Specialist Portage Practitioner
Achieving for Children is seeking a Specialist Portage Practitioner to be part of the Portage service that delivers early intervention services for pre-school children with significant developmental delays or additional needs on behalf of Kingston and Richmond Councils. Responsibilities include providing individualised home teaching, leading group programmes, conducting developmental assessments, and collaborating with families, health professionals, and early years settings to ensure coordinated support. The role requires strong knowledge of child development, experience working with children with SEND, and excellent communication and organisational skills. Ensuring high-quality, evidence-based support, safeguarding, and effective documentation are key aspects of this position.
Please note the salary advertised is full time equivalent and will be pro rata.
Operational area Kingston and Richmond Primary place of work Moor Lane, KT9 Appointment type Permanent Business area Education Full time/Part time Term-time (39 weeks) Salary from £36,048 (SCP19) Salary to £38,739 (SCP24) Hours 18 Estimated Interview date/s 04/12/25 Closing Date 20/11/2025 Ref No 2176 Documents
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About the role
As a Specialist Portage Practitioner, you will provide early intervention and tailored learning support for pre-school children with significant developmental delays or additional needs. Working closely with parents, carers, and professionals, you will design and deliver play-based, small-step teaching programmes that empower families to support their child’s development.
Key responsibilities:
2. Deliver home teaching and group sessions to promote children’s communication, learning, and independence.
3. Carry out developmental assessments and plan individualised Portage support packages.
4. Work collaboratively with families and professionals to coordinate support and ensure smooth transitions into education settings.
5. Contribute to multi-agency meetings, safeguarding processes, and statutory assessments (e.g. EHCPs).
6. Support the delivery of training, outreach, and parent programmes such as EarlyBird and SPOT.
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role please contact hiring manager Nadia Dejesus on
About you
You will need to be an experienced early years practitioner with a passion for supporting children with additional needs and their families. You understand the importance of early intervention and inclusive practice and can work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for every child.
You will have:
7. A full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or above) and GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade C or equivalent).
8. A full, clean driving licence and access to transport for home visits across the boroughs is essential.
9. Experience working with children with SEND and their families, using evidence-based approaches to support development.
10. Strong communication, organisation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and empower parents and carers.
11. Knowledge of child development,Best Start in Life and the SEND Code of Practice, including safeguarding responsibilities.
12. The ability to work independently, manage your own caseload, and contribute effectively as part of a multi-agency team.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
13. 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
14. Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
15. Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
16. Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
17. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
18. A range of staff benefits and discounts
19. An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children. For our social work offer. For our Recruitment Journey,
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.