Best Start Inclusion Lead

Help shape a more inclusive Best Start for every child and family

We are seeking an experienced and passionate professional to join our Best Start Family Hubs and Prevention Service as the Best Start Inclusion Lead.

This is a key leadership role responsible for driving inclusion across the Best Start Family Hub network, ensuring that children under the age of five and families who face barriers to accessing services receive the right support at the right time.

Working across services and partnerships, you will lead the development of inclusive practice, strengthen support for children with emerging and identified additional needs, and champion equitable access to Family Hub services for all families.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence system-wide change, support workforce development and improve outcomes for children and families through prevention and early intervention.

About the Role

As the Best Start Inclusion Lead, you will:

• Lead the development, implementation and execution of the Best Start Inclusion Offer.
• Manage and deploy a team of Best Start Inclusion Practitioners across Newham, delivering front facing services to children and their families
• Support early identification of needs and utilise evidence-based approaches for children with emerging developmental, learning and additional needs.
• Work closely with SEND, Early Years, Health, Education and Voluntary Sector partners to improve pathways and support for families.
• Promote inclusive practice across the workforce through training, coaching and professional development.
• Use data, intelligence and feedback from families to identify inequalities and improve service accessibility and outcomes.
• Ensure that the voices and experiences of children, parents and carers inform service design and development.
• Undertake direct practice with children and deliver one-one and/or group-based interventions.
• Monitor performance and evaluate impact in line with funders’ requirements

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience of working with children (0-5 years) and families, particularly those with additional needs or a SEND diagnosis.
• Has a strong understanding of inclusion, SEND, early years development and early help approaches.
• Has experience of analysing data and using evidence to inform decision-making.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Possesses excellent communication, leadership and relationship-management skills.

You may currently work within Family Hubs, Early Years, SEND, Education, Health, Early Help, Community Services or a related field and be looking for an opportunity to use your specialist knowledge and skills to support children and families.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape and lead the inclusion agenda within an evolving Best Start Family Hub model.
• Work alongside dedicated colleagues and partners committed to improving outcomes for children and families.
• Make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families across the borough.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dawn Henry, Service Manager – Family Hubs and Prevention via email – dawn.henry@newham.gov.uk.

Deadline for Applications: 12th July 2026

Please view JD here

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.