At a Glance
- Tasks: Support new childcare providers and ensure high-quality care for families in Leicestershire.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council's dedicated Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Open to discussions about flexible working arrangements.
- 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 and 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
To apply for this post, you must:
- 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
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.
If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected.
For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Leicester employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to enhance childcare services across Leicestershire, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and their Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local childcare events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Practise articulating your thoughts on supporting new childcare providers and ensuring high-quality provision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you upload a solid supporting statement that highlights how you meet the criteria. This is your chance to shine, so make it count and get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer- (Fixed Term) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Passion for Childcare:Let your enthusiasm for childcare shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to high-quality provision in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in your communication just as much as we are in your qualifications!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your application in as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and safeguarding requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported childcare providers or improved childcare practices. This will help demonstrate your strong track record and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use your strong interpersonal skills to actively listen and engage in conversation, showing that you can develop effective working relationships.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Leicestershire County Council's values and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will highlight your commitment to delivering accessible and inclusive services for all residents.
