At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead early years education initiatives and improve quality for children and families.
- Company: Join the City of York Council, dedicated to child development and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with a focus on continuous learning and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of early education.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and understanding of statutory entitlements.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
York is a city that is ambitious about the early years and we have a vision to lead the way in early childhood development. This is exemplified by our award-winning Early Talk For York approach.
You would be joining us at a very exciting time in our journey as we fully implement our Best Start in Life plan. We are looking for an experienced leader who shares our passion for the early years. You will have experience and understanding of the statutory entitlements and a vision for improving the quality of early years education.
You will be joining a talented and experienced team who have a track record of success and you will be building on the strong foundations that already exist to contribute to York being a place where children and families belong and thrive.
As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution.
We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
Head of Early Years and Childcare employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for those passionate about early childhood development. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave allowances, and opportunities for continuous learning and community engagement, you will be part of a talented team making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in York. The hybrid working arrangements and focus on professional growth further enhance the appeal of this role, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Early Years and Childcare
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in early childhood development and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with York's Best Start in Life plan. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your spoken English skills to hit that CEFR level C1. Engage in conversations with friends or colleagues about early years education to boost your fluency and confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our mission in making a difference in early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Early Years and Childcare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how your values align with our vision for York and the Best Start in Life plan.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and understanding of statutory entitlements. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to improving early years education.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Early Years and Childcare role. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the statutory entitlements and early years education principles. Brush up on the Best Start in Life plan and the Early Talk For York approach, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for early childhood development. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving the quality of early years education. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves public interaction, practice speaking clearly and confidently in English. You might want to rehearse common questions and answers with a friend or in front of a mirror to ensure you can express yourself fluently.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to provide guidance. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges in early years settings and be ready to discuss them.
