About the team
This is an excellent opportunity to join the Early Years Service within Children's Services as the service's childcare inclusion officer. In this full-time role, you will help ensure that all eligible children can access the childcare they need. Working with families and early years providers, you will build positive relationships and support smooth transitions into childcare. The service works closely with schools, early years providers, partners and colleagues across the council to support the effective delivery of early education and childcare entitlements for Hertfordshire residents.
About the role
Under the Childcare Act 2006, the local authority has statutory duties to secure sufficient childcare and provide information, advice and support to parents. Childcare brokerage is one way the authority helps families, particularly those needing additional support, to access suitable childcare. The role will support families of children with SEND to find and access childcare that meets their needs. This may include meeting families to understand their circumstances and concerns, working with settings to identify suitable provision, and acting as a link between parents and providers to build positive relationships.
The childcare inclusion officer may also accompany parents on visits to settings to help support a smooth transition .A key part of the role is building strong partnerships with early years providers and engaging with the range of practitioners who support the family.
The postholder will also work closely with Best Start Inclusion Practitioners at Best Start Family Hubs and Family Centres. They will build and maintain strong working relationships and ensure up-to-date information about early education and childcare entitlements is shared regularly.
About you
Essential
- Recent, relevant experience in the early years sector, including work with families.
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, such as schools, early years providers, partner organisations and family centres.
- Working knowledge or experience of supporting children and families with SEND-related needs.
- Good understanding of the early years and childcare sector.
- Knowledge and practical experience of safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, identify gaps in provision and make timely, evidence-based decisions to support change.
- Full driving licence and ability to travel across the county, working flexibly to meet service and stakeholder requirements.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the different early education and childcare entitlements including different eligibility criteria
Childcare Inclusion Officer in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee development, this role in Stevenage provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in pensions governance while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
