Inclusion Support PractitionerCouncil

Reading Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Inclusion Support Practitioner to join our newly developed Behaviour Support Service within RISE. This innovative service works with Reading's maintained primary schools to support the inclusion of children whose behaviour may present challenges, using evidence-based, therapeutic and multi-disciplinary approaches 

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. 

About the role  

As an Inclusion Support Practitioner, you will work directly with children, school staff and partners to promote inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children presenting with behaviours that challenge. Working under the guidance of a SEND Specialist, you will hold a caseload of children referred by schools and provide practical support, advice and coaching within educational settings. 

You will play a key role in helping schools understand and respond to underlying needs, including SEND, and support the implementation of therapeutic and inclusive approaches aligned with Reading's agreed models, including Therapeutic Thinking Schools (TTS), SCERTS and autism-informed practice. 

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about inclusion, early intervention and helping children remain engaged in education.  

What you'll do 

• Work directly with primary-aged children and school staff to support inclusive and therapeutic approaches to behaviour.  

• Coach and support school staff in implementing evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes for children. 

• Provide advice, support and constructive challenge to schools regarding behavioural needs and underlying SEND.  

• Support schools to understand and apply the graduated approach and ordinarily available provision. 

• Deliver and facilitate training and professional development opportunities for school staff. 

• Coordinate support and signposting to relevant outreach services and specialist provision. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across RISE, Educational Psychology, School Improvement, Early Help and Children's Social Care services. 

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service monitoring and evaluation activities. 

• Support initiatives aimed at preventing school exclusions and promoting positive educational experiences.  

• Stay up to date with current research and best practice relating to behaviour, inclusion and SEND. 

About you 

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting children and helping schools develop inclusive practices. 

You will have: 

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Education or a related field.  

• Experience working directly with primary school-aged children in a diverse community setting.  

• Experience supporting children at risk of exclusion through therapeutic and relationship-based approaches. 

• An understanding of behaviour as communication and the ability to identify potential underlying SEND needs. 

• Experience working with schools and multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes for children.  

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 

• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practice and inclusive education approaches. 

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload effectively.  

• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and continuous professional development.  

Desirable experience includes delivering training and knowledge of approaches such as Therapeutic Thinking Schools (TTS), Autism Education Trust (AET) resources and the SCERTS framework 

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.  
 
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do 

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential 

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way 

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed 

Our offer 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave 

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities  

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading 

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) 

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) 

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted 

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work 

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax 

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact [email protected]  

Closing Date: Thursday 5th November 2026
Interview Date: Friday 13th November 
Interview Process: Virtual interview  

Position type: Full time