At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a Childcare Department, managing complex cases and mentoring a team.
- Company: Progressive law firm with a strong reputation in family and childcare law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and leadership training.
- Other info: Join a growing practice with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a department with autonomy and make a real impact in childcare law.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in Childcare/Public Law and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. The role offers the chance to join a growing and ambitious practice with a strong reputation for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work. The firm is recognised by leading independent legal directories and delivers outstanding client care, high-quality legal services and meaningful career progression opportunities. The childcare team has experienced significant growth and continues to invest heavily in its people, infrastructure and regional presence.
The successful candidate will play a key strategic role in establishing and leading the Coventry Childcare Department, driving growth, supervising and mentoring lawyers, and maintaining the highest standards of client service and legal excellence.
ResponsibilitiesAs Head of Department, you will:
- Lead and manage the Childcare and Public Law Children team.
- Conduct your own caseload of complex childcare matters, including:
- Care Proceedings
- Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Adoption Proceedings
- Deprivation of Liberty matters
- Cases involving non-accidental injuries, abuse, neglect and safeguarding concerns.
- Develop and implement the department's strategic growth plans.
- Recruit, supervise and mentor solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff.
- Maintain compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards.
- Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, guardians, barristers and other stakeholders.
- Contribute to business development, networking and profile-raising activities across the region.
- Work closely with senior management on departmental performance, budgeting and growth initiatives.
A minimum of 8 years' PQE in Childcare/Public Law Children work.
- Law Society Children Panel Accreditation (essential).
- Significant advocacy and case management experience.
- Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
- A proven track record of managing complex and sensitive childcare matters.
- Strong leadership, organisational and business development skills.
- Excellent client care and communication abilities.
- A desire to build and lead a successful regional team.
The opportunity to lead and shape a department with genuine autonomy.
- A strong pipeline of publicly funded childcare work.
- Access to an established national network of specialist family and childcare lawyers.
- High-quality administrative and management support.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear career progression at senior leadership level.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
This is an opportunity to join a progressive, people‑focused law firm that combines the resources and reputation of a national practice with the culture and accessibility of a regional firm. The organisation is recognised for its expertise in family and childcare law, commitment to legal aid work, and investment in the growth of its lawyers and departments. The firm has received recognition from Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England.
Head of Childcare – Stoke-on-Trent in Coventry employer: About Early Years Ltd.
Join a progressive and people-focused law firm in Coventry, where you will have the autonomy to lead a well-established Childcare Department while benefiting from a competitive salary and a comprehensive leadership package. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture, this firm not only values your expertise but also invests in your growth, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in childcare law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Childcare – Stoke-on-Trent in Coventry
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the childcare law sector. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in complex childcare matters. Share specific examples of cases you've handled and how you've made a difference. This will show them you're not just qualified, but passionate about the work.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the firm’s values, recent cases, and their approach to childcare law. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you're genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission in childcare law.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Childcare – Stoke-on-Trent in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Childcare role. Highlight your experience in childcare law, especially your advocacy and case management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading a childcare department and how you can contribute to our growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to showcase any leadership or mentoring experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at About Early Years Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Care Proceedings and Special Guardianship Orders, as well as recent developments in the field. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or mentored junior lawyers in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves building relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders, be ready to discuss your networking strategies. Share any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with external parties to achieve positive outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to foster connections that benefit the department.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the firm's strategic growth plans for the Childcare Department or how they support professional development. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals.
