At a Glance
- Tasks: Support new childcare providers and ensure high-quality care for families in Leicestershire.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council's dynamic Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements and committed to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in childcare.
- Qualifications: Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience in high-quality childcare practice.
The predicted salary is between 39939 - 42699 € per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall Glenfield LE3 8RA
Salary: £39,939 - £42,699 per annum (pro rata for part time) (Pay Award Pending)
Working Hours: 18.5 Hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months or Secondment for 12 months
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interview Date(s): 4th June 2026
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service as a Childcare Improvement & Sufficiency Officer on a one‑year fixed‑term basis (or secondment opportunity).
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a highly skilled and enthusiastic team. You will play a key role in supporting new childcare providers through the Ofsted registration process, as well as working with existing school‑age childcare settings to ensure the delivery of high‑quality provision. You will also need to be willing to travel to appointments and a range of venues as required.
Key Responsibilities
- To support new providers entering the childcare market to ensure there are sufficient childcare places to meet the needs of families in Leicestershire (including those who have additional needs) to meet the Local Authorities statutory duty in relation to ‘Expanded Entitlements, School based nurseries and Wraparound Care’.
- To coordinate and implement a package of advice, support and guidance to ensure those entering the childcare market are offering high quality provision.
- To disseminate key safeguarding messages and information on statutory legal requirements to providers.
- To develop high quality out of School provision, by securing information, advice and training as set out in the local authority’s statutory duty.
An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post. For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex‑offenders, please see our policy statement.
About You
- A relevant Level 6 qualification (e.g. Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- A strong track record of delivering high‑quality childcare practice, with experience of observing provision, evaluating learning, and providing constructive feedback to support continuous improvement.
- In‑depth knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including statutory welfare requirements, alongside a sound understanding of playwork principles and their application in childcare settings.
- A thorough understanding of safeguarding requirements for children and young people.
- Extensive knowledge of EYFS statutory requirements and wider legislation relevant to childcare provider registration.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively listen, build trust and respect, and develop effective working relationships and professional partnerships.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Ruth Melluish - Team Manager (Early Years SEND Inclusion Team) Email: ruth.melluish@leics.gov.uk
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Glenfield employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about early years and childcare. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a focus on delivering high-quality services to the community, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your professional skills in a collaborative team setting.
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Glenfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Leicestershire County Council and their Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to high-quality childcare provision.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or case studies that demonstrate your ability to improve childcare settings. This will help you stand out and show that you’re serious about making a difference.
✨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 keen on joining our team and committed to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Glenfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your track record in delivering high-quality childcare practice. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so share those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and safeguarding requirements. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and best practices in childcare. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to high-quality provision.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported childcare providers or improved services. Highlight your experience in observing, evaluating, and providing feedback. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Use your strong interpersonal skills to actively listen and engage with their questions. This will help you come across as approachable and trustworthy, which is crucial for this role.
✨Embrace Flexibility
Be ready to discuss your thoughts on flexible working arrangements. Since the role may involve travel and varied hours, showing that you're adaptable and open to different working patterns can set you apart from other candidates.
