City of York Council
Portage Home Visitor
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About the Role
We are looking to recruit an additional Portage Home Visitor to join our innovative and highly valued team, playing a key role in exciting developments within York's Specialist Teaching Team.
Portage is a specialist home visiting service for pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. We work alongside parents and carers in their homes, helping children learn and develop through individually tailored, play-based activities that break learning into achievable small steps.
Supporting children from birth until they start nursery, we provide practical, relevant and holistic support to families during what can be both a rewarding and challenging journey. Our aim is to empower families, celebrate progress and help every child reach their potential.
As a Portage Home Visitor in York, you will be part of a skilled, friendly and supportive team that values collaboration, professional development and reflective practice. You will receive regular supervision and work closely with a wide range of professionals across education, health and children's services, following the National Portage Association model.
You will manage your own caseload of children and families, providing both Portage home visits and keyworking support where appropriate. You will also contribute to a range of family groups and play an important role in the city's Best Start in Life programme and the continued development of the Expert at Hand model.
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We Are Looking For Someone Who Has
- Substantial experience of working with pre-school children and their families.
- Training, qualifications, or relevant experience of working directly with young children with SEND and their families.
- A sound knowledge of child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and current legislation relating to early years education and SEND.
- Completed a recognised Portage Basic Workshop, or is willing to undertake this training shortly after appointment.
- Experience of working collaboratively with families and professionals to improve outcomes for children.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
- A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
In Return, We Offer
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.
- A supportive and experienced team environment.
- Regular supervision and professional development opportunities.
- The chance to contribute to innovative early years initiatives across York.
This post is suitable as a job share opportunity.
As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.
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Additional Information
City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
Contact Information
For further information or an informal discussion please contact
Shahenaz Shaikh – Senior Portage Worker
Tel: 01904 555085
Email: Shahenaz.Shaikh@york.gov.uk
Closing date: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 12 midnight
Interview date: Thursday 15 October
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