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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in early learning and childcare for children aged 2 to 5.
- Company: Join North Lanarkshire Council, dedicated to community wellbeing and professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: BA in Childhood Practice or equivalent required; managerial experience preferred.
- Other info: Temporary position until 12/07/2026 with guaranteed interviews for care-experienced individuals.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 49000 £ per year.
Are you interested in continuous professional development, ensuring staff have the skills and competencies to deliver the highest quality of service possible? Do you have the experience, dedication and the enthusiasm to help us build on our successes, support our transformational change programme and show inspirational leadership in these exciting and inspiring times? Are you child centred and have an understanding of child development? If so, then we want to hear from you.
Successful applicants should have considerable knowledge and experience in working in a managerial and leadership role, whilst having extensive experiences of leading early years practitioners in working with children aged 2 to 5 years. You must hold a BA in Childhood Practice, or equivalent (recognised for Managers Registration – SSSC). You will require to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to commencing in this role.
Working pattern: Monday to Friday - between the hours of 08:00 to 18:00. This is a temporary position until 12/07/2026.
Working here at North Lanarkshire Council, we have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays, and a wide range of benefits available to you. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.
North Lanarkshire Council are Happy to Talk Flexible Working, we operate a Smarter Working Policy.
We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who consider themselves to be disabled, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. We have also adopted the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show our support for service personnel, veterans and their families. We offer a guaranteed interview for service leavers, spouses, reservists and veterans, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
North Lanarkshire Council is committed to #KeepingThePromise. This means that if you have ever been in care (looked after at home with a social worker, lived with a relative other than your parents, experienced foster, residential or secure care) you are entitled to a guaranteed interview for this post, as long as you meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. This is one way North Lanarkshire is demonstrating our commitment to supporting Care-Experienced People.
The Plan for North Lanarkshire is to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. The Council recognises that work is an important part of adult life and is critical to our wellbeing and shaping how we live. The Fair Work Convention’s Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect and security. We believe Fair Work can boost creativity, realise untapped potential and increase productivity.
Alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats for example, Large Print, Braille, and Audio. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 01698 403151.
***PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY YOU MUST ENSURE AN APPLICATION FORM IS SUBMITTED. ANY CV SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DISREGARDED.***
Early Learning & Childcare - Head of Centre (Temporary) - REQ04168 - 422598 employer: North Lanarkshire Council
Contact Detail:
North Lanarkshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Learning & Childcare - Head of Centre (Temporary) - REQ04168 - 422598
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially around child development and leadership in early years settings. This will help you articulate your relevant experiences and how they align with the expectations of the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of North Lanarkshire Council to gain insights into the organisational culture and values. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to continuous professional development for staff. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to improved outcomes in early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of the transformational change programme mentioned in the job description. Research recent initiatives by North Lanarkshire Council and consider how your leadership style can contribute to these changes.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Learning & Childcare - Head of Centre (Temporary) - REQ04168 - 422598
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your experience in managerial roles and working with early years practitioners, as this is crucial for the position.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application form to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the job. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership abilities and understanding of child development.
Highlight Professional Development: Emphasise any continuous professional development you have undertaken. Mention relevant training or qualifications that showcase your commitment to improving service quality and staff competencies.
Follow Application Guidelines: Ensure you complete the application form as specified. Remember, CVs are not accepted, so focus on providing detailed responses in the application form to meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Lanarkshire Council
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for child development during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's growth and learning in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the child-centred approach that North Lanarkshire Council values.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since the role requires considerable managerial experience, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences leading early years practitioners. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've inspired and developed your team to deliver high-quality services.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with North Lanarkshire Council's mission and values, especially their commitment to Fair Work and supporting Care-Experienced People. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations in childcare settings. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated difficulties and be ready to share those stories.
