At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school-age childcare strategy and ensure high-quality after-school programmes.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive employer making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare sufficiency and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44235 - 45852 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Do you have experience delivering childcare sufficiency, wraparound childcare or related programmes? Do you have experience of effective multi‑agency and partnership working in a complex environment? The person for this role will also have high‑level analytical skills, including data interpretation, forecasting and the production of clear management information.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the primary point of contact for the DfE on school‑age childcare sufficiency.
- Lead the school‑age childcare strategy, ensuring alignment with statutory duties and wraparound programmes.
- Coordinate sufficiency analysis for school‑age childcare across schools, PVIs and voluntary sector providers.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable person to lead our School‑Age Childcare strategic and operational responsibilities in Lewisham. You will support the delivery of high‑quality after‑school and holiday childcare for children aged 4–11 (and up to 18 for SEND) in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
LocationThe job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special ConditionsWeekend and evening working may be required for this job. The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check. This is a fixed‑term 12‑month contract.
Salary£44,235 – £45,852 per annum (P01). All appointments will be offered at the minimum salary for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
DiversityLewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme.
Recruitment NoticeThe Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
School‑Age Childcare & Sufficiency Lead in London employer: Lewisham Council
Join Lewisham Council, an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in our vibrant and culturally diverse community. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and collaboration. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives in school-age childcare while enjoying a range of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School‑Age Childcare & Sufficiency Lead in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Lewisham Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace School‑Age Childcare & Sufficiency Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Lewisham Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Lewisham Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Lewisham Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary School‑Age Childcare & Sufficiency Lead role at Lewisham Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Lewisham Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
