We are Hiring!

16 September 2026

Come and Join us!

We are seeking a Family Support Group lead for 12 hours per week who will work with our Family Support Co-ordinators to help deliver our Family Groups in Chelmsford, Maldon and Witham.

Term Time working:  39 weeks per year           Working Hours:  12 hours per week ie 4 hours per Group

Salary:  £25,080 FTE per annum pro rated for part time hours – £13.00 per hour.

We offer weekly Family Groups in several areas in Essex for our supported families to help them to develop and feel more confident with parenting and school readiness.  We provide a programme of advice, support, and the opportunity to meet other parents in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

The successful candidate must have NVQ level 2 in Early Years Childcare and Education (or equivalent qualification) and the relevant experience of working with families and children in a group setting.

Salary:                         £25,080 FTE annual salary pro-rated for part time hours = £13.00 per hour.
Working hours:       12 hours per week – 4 hours per group for 39 weeks per year.  Term times only.

Our ideal candidate would be based in the Mid Essex area must be able to drive to all Groups and have access to a car.

The groups are currently being held on:

Witham          Monday Afternoon                                Chelmsford     Tuesday morning                                         Maldon           Wednesday Morning

A valid, clear enhanced DBS check and suitable references are essential.

Some of the main tasks of the role are listed below (please read the full job description for details of the role):

• To provide a safe, stimulating environment for parents and their children, making sure equipment/toys are in a safe condition and appropriate to the needs of the families.
• To plan, prepare and deliver appropriate play and art & craft activities
• To ensure the effective operational management of Family Groups in accordance with the standards and methods of practice, including safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, confidentiality and health & safety policies.
• To maintain high standards of practice in working with children and their families within the ethos of Home-Start.
• To ensure inclusion and diversity in all aspects of Home-Start Essex’s operation and work.
• To welcome all parents/carers to the Family Group, recognising the importance of their role as prime educators for their children.
• To be aware of group dynamics ensuring the groups provide a non-judgemental environment for both parent and children.
• To encourage the active participation of parents in play and other activities as appropriate.
• To lead the group activities which can include singing, nursery rhymes, parachute, story time, amongst others.
• Delivery of group in absence of Family Support Coordinator.
• To participate in supervision and other meetings as appropriate and take part in relevant training and group meetings to enhance personal and professional development and practice.

To apply for the role please complete an application form which can be downloaded from the recruitment page.

Please refer to the Job Description and Job Specification when completing the form .

PLEASE NOTE WE DO  NOT ACCEPT CVS.

If you would like to discuss any further details of the job confidentially with the Area Lead Co-ordinator, please contact us on 01245 847410.

This post is subject to a successful 6-month probationary period.

CLOSING DATE:          5pm 30^th September 2026

INTERVIEW DATE:      scheduled for 15^th October 2026

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Home-Start Essex is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  We are an equal opportunities organisation and are committed to safer recruitment practices as part of our responsibility to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.