At a Glance
- Tasks: Support new 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, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with various stakeholders.
- 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 childcare and strong leadership skills.
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
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 Senior 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 work closely with Early Years settings and schools to deliver the school-age childcare programme. This includes 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.
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.
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
To apply for this post, you must:
- 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.
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: Jo Fisher - Childcare Sufficiency and Organisational Development Team Manager Email: jo.fisher@leics.gov.uk
Senior Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer - (Fixed Term ) 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, flexible working options, and a focus on delivering high-quality childcare services, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values inclusivity and professional growth while contributing to the enhancement of childcare provision across the region.
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 )
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the childcare sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 your interview by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to childcare and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and committed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the role of Senior Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do in childcare improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer - (Fixed Term )
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant qualifications and experiences. We’re looking for a proven track record in childcare practice, so let us know about your successes and how you’ve driven improvement in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 statutory welfare requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand how they apply to childcare practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully improved childcare quality or supported providers through the Ofsted registration process. This will help demonstrate your proven track record and how you can bring that experience 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 positions to inform decision-making and drive service improvement. Bring examples of how your insights led to positive changes in childcare settings.
✨Connect with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Leicestershire County Council's commitment to accessible and inclusive services. Be prepared to share how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.
