Senior Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Officer

Overview

In this role you will lead the East Surrey development of school-age childcare within the Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team. You’ll work with providers, schools and partners to improve access, sustainability and quality, shaping childcare plans and market development. The role combines field visits, training delivery and strategic use of data to target support for the most vulnerable families. It offers hybrid working and a real opportunity to make a lasting difference in Surrey’s childcare landscape.

Pay / Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (28 after 2 years, 31 after 5)
• Option to buy up to 10 additional leave days
• Local government pension
• Carer’s leave (up to 5 days) and volunteering days (2)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Learning and development hub

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of school-age childcare provision across East Surrey
• Support opening of new childcare settings and advise on business planning and financial forecasting
• Visit providers, review self-audits and promote best practice through playwork principles
• Deliver training and contribute to wider team work with the early years sector
• Use data to identify needs and shape sufficiency planning and strategies
• Support delivery of the national free breakfast club programme
• Line manage an officer within the team and provide professional development
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including education, health and social care
• Help strengthen provider sustainability and expand high-quality provision

Key requirements

• Level 6 Qualification in Early Years, school-age childcare or a similar related field
• School-age childcare experience and progression in previous role
• Knowledge of Early Years Funded Early Education Entitlements and Statutory Guidance including Safeguarding
• Understanding of impact of additional needs/deprivation on the sector
• Understanding of sufficiency and market management
• Proven ability to build relationships with providers and communities in a multi-disciplinary context
• Ability to lead projects with diverse partners and deliver outcomes within timescales
• Experience in delivering training presentations
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for county travel

• Relationship building with providers and stakeholders
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership and people management
• Data analysis and use of intelligence for planning
• Financial forecasting and budget awareness
• Knowledge of safeguarding and statutory guidance

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