At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead curriculum planning and delivery for apprenticeships and work-based learning in the Early Years sector.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's Adult Community Learning team, dedicated to lifelong learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by empowering learners and shaping their futures.
- Qualifications: Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience in teaching or leadership, with relevant teaching qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 42177 - 49620 £ per year.
Overview
Permanent, Full Time
£42,177 to £49,620 per annum
Location: Essex
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: 15th June 2026
Please note this is a fixed-base role. Whilst you will be contractually based in your preferred ACL office, the role allows for some home-working and a requirement to attend ACL sites 2-3 days per week, in line with business need.
Adult Community Learning (ACL) Essex is Essex County Council's provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents. ACL Essex offers qualifications to help people move nearer to, enter or progress within the workplace or gain skills to enhance life chances. The service focuses many of its programmes and activities on the hardest to reach communities within Essex. ACL Essex learners have access to a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited courses which encourage creativity, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion and engagement.
Role responsibilities
- Lead curriculum planning and delivery within assigned sectors so that programmes align to labour market intelligence (LMI), qualification and awarding body requirements, with clear progression pathways from outreach first steps learning into further learning and employment.
- Collaborate with quality leads to ensure teaching, learning and assessment meet the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and service standards; oversee observation, feedback and course review cycles for the sector.
- Use key performance indicators (KPIs), management information systems (MIS) and learner voice to monitor applications, attendance, progress and achievement, acting on insight to improve retention, success and destinations.
- Ensure timely enrolment, induction and achievement for learners, including compliance with awarding organisation requirements and accurate recording on systems.
- Provide people leadership for Trainers and/or Coaches and Assessors, setting clear objectives, coaching performance and building capability in digital delivery and e-portfolio use.
- Strengthen community engagement co-designing provision, responding to queries and ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Contribute to the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), evidencing impact and driving continuous improvement across the sector.
- Promote consistent and effective use of digital tools and data to support teaching, reporting and compliance, including customer relationship management (CRM) and e-portfolio platforms.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Educated to RQF Level 5 or above (or equivalent by experience) in a relevant vocational, teaching or leadership discipline, with evidence of continuing professional development.
- Teaching and/or assessor qualifications (for example Certificate in Education (CertEd), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Diploma in Education and Training (DET), Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA)).
- Proven experience of curriculum leadership, quality assurance and team management in adult learning, Further Education (FE), apprenticeships or work-based training.
- Current sector knowledge and understanding of employer needs, professional standards and regulatory frameworks, including guidance from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
- Strong data literacy and ability to interpret performance and quality metrics to drive improvement, with confidence using management information systems (MIS).
- Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to motivate teams, foster innovation and champion safeguarding, inclusion and equality.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Additional information
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Early Years Sector Lead (Apprenticeships & Workbased Learning) in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
As an Early Years Sector Lead at ACL Essex, you will join a dedicated team within Essex County Council that prioritises lifelong learning and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and flexible working arrangements, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of learners in Essex while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Sector Lead (Apprenticeships & Workbased Learning) in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Early Years sector on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ACL Essex and their programmes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for lifelong learning and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around curriculum leadership and quality assurance. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
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.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Sector Lead (Apprenticeships & Workbased Learning) in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in curriculum leadership and adult learning. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Early Years Sector Lead!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved retention or success rates in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the Early Years sector. Familiarise yourself with labour market intelligence (LMI) and how it impacts curriculum planning. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in quality assurance and team management, especially in adult learning or apprenticeships. Be ready to discuss how you motivate teams and foster innovation.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves using key performance indicators (KPIs) and management information systems (MIS), be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've interpreted metrics to enhance learner success and retention.
✨Engage with Community Needs
Demonstrate your understanding of community engagement by discussing any previous experiences where you've co-designed programmes or responded to community queries. Show that you can strengthen relationships and ensure satisfaction, which is crucial for repeat business.
