At a Glance
- Tasks: Support childcare providers and ensure high-quality services for children aged 4-14.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council's dynamic Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with passionate professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of childcare.
- Qualifications: Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience in childcare.
The predicted salary is between 43860 - 47829 € per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA
Salary: £43,860 - £47,829 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay Award Pending)
Working Hours: 37 Hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months, Secondment for 12 months
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
About the Role
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service as a Senior Childcare Improvement & Sufficiency Officer on a one-year fixed-term basis (or secondment opportunity). 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 work closely with Early Years settings and schools to deliver the school-age childcare programme, supporting the national rollout of free breakfast clubs and strengthening links between holiday childcare provision and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Your work will help maximise opportunities and contribute to the development of a sustainable school-age childcare market. A key aspect of the role will involve gathering and analysing data and evidence to support submissions to the Department for Education (DfE). You will also need to be willing to travel to appointments and a range of venues as required. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide line management and coordination for the Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officers, ensuring effective delivery of the service.
- Lead on securing sufficient childcare places to meet parental demand, including provision for children with additional needs across out-of-school and wraparound settings.
- Monitor, support, and challenge out-of-school childcare providers to ensure high-quality provision for children aged 4–14.
- Ensure providers delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offer high-quality services and, where required, comply with Ofsted welfare standards.
- Work collaboratively with a range of internal local authority teams and external partners to support service priorities.
- Coordinate and oversee support for providers seeking Ofsted registration, ensuring new childcare settings are fully prepared for their first inspection.
About You
- A relevant Level 6 qualification (e.g. Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Proven track record of outstanding childcare practice, with experience in observing, evaluating quality of learning, and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including statutory welfare requirements, alongside a sound understanding of play work principles and their application to childcare practice.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding requirements for children and young people.
- Ability to interpret and use data effectively to inform decision-making and service improvement.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence and build effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Senior Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer - (Fixed Term ) in Glenfield employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at County Hall in Glenfield. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for growth and advancement within our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service. Our inclusive culture values diversity and encourages innovative thinking, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the community while ensuring high-quality childcare provision.
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to childcare and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior 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 Senior 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 and experiences!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for childcare and early years education shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in children's lives, so share your motivation and what drives you in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 the latest childcare regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the key responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully improved childcare practices or supported providers through the Ofsted registration process. This will help demonstrate your proven track record and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Data is Key
Since the role involves gathering and analysing data, be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to inform decision-making. Bring examples of how your insights led to improvements in childcare services.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your interpersonal skills by discussing how you've built effective partnerships with stakeholders in the past. This is crucial for the role, so think of ways you've inspired or influenced others in your previous positions.
