Location:Hybrid including Northallerton and across the county.
North Yorkshire Council is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated Early Years Service Children’s Champion. Funded through the Armed Forces Covenant Grant Trust, this exciting and rewarding role will support early years providers to meet the unique needs of children from Service families helping ensure every Service child receives the best possible start in life.
About the service
The Early Years Service Children’s Champion is part of the Children’s Partnerships and Sufficiency team within North Yorkshire Council’s Children and Young People’s Service. Working collaboratively with early years providers, schools and partner organisations, the service is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.
A key focus of the service is to ensure that children can access high-quality childcare provision including children from Service families. By raising awareness of the unique experiences and needs of Service children, providing resources and guidance to providers and working closely with military and community partners, the service helps ensure these children are supported to thrive, develop resilience and make successful transitions throughout their early years.
About the Role
This exciting and varied role will champion the needs of children from Service families aged 0 to 5 years, helping to ensure they receive the best possible start in life. Working at home and across North Yorkshire, you will support early years providers, childminders and schools with early years (pre-reception) provision to better understand and meet the unique needs of Service children and their families.
The role combines partnership working, provider support, project coordination and advocacy. You will develop resources, organise events, build professional networks, promote good practice, and work closely with education providers, military support teams and local authority colleagues to strengthen support for Service children.
As a largely autonomous role, you will manage your own workload and priorities while building positive relationships across a wide range of organisations. You will be a passionate advocate for Service children, helping providers create inclusive environments that support children's wellbeing, resilience and successful transitions throughout their early years journey.
For an informal discussion about this role and the service please contact Helen Smith, Head of Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency on helen.smith@northyorks.gov.uk
Closing Date: Midnight on 27 th September 2026
Interview date: Thursday, 8 th October at County Hall, Northallerton
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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Early Years Service Children’s Champion in Northallerton employer: Applefields School
Whitby School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both students and staff. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, mental health support, and continuous professional development, we empower our employees to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the heart of the Whitby community, our school embodies values of ambition, courage, character, and endeavour, ensuring that every day offers new challenges and rewards.
