At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist parents and childcare providers with Early Years funding and entitlement guidance.
- Company: Join Oldham Council, dedicated to creating vibrant, safe neighbourhoods and thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, discounted gym memberships, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; perfect for balancing work and study.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and the ability to understand statutory guidance are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Ref: 001541
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £28,58 - £31,022 per annum (Grade 4)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Location: Hybrid working model, Council Offices, Spindles shopping centre
Closing Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026
Role Overview
Working within the council’s Early Years service, you will provide parents/ carers and childcare providers with advice, support and guidance on the free entitlement and also assist with the allocation and administration of associated Early Years Grant funding.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the first point of contact for carers, childcare providers and professionals within Oldham.
- Liaise with key partners and organisations in relation to the child’s entitlement.
- Prepare for the free early education payment run (9 times per year). Include: import provider pay claims, undertake checks to ensure no duplicate claims, manually calculate payments for mid‑term starters and leavers, and highlight any potential errors to the Early Years Funding Officer.
- Carry out entitlement checks using the designated systems.
Key Requirements
- The ability to understand and articulate statutory guidance relating to the responsibilities of this role and the wider team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively advise and support members of the public, childcare providers and other officers.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy working environment.
- Use own initiative to problem‑solve and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Our Benefits Package
At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years service.
- The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating‑out, eating‑in, travel, motoring and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details on how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy
For details of how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice.
Important Information
Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
Right to Work in the UK from 1st July 2021.doc
Early Years Funding Assistant in Oldham employer: Oldham Council
Oldham Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture that values innovation and community engagement. With a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, pension schemes, and wellbeing support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a hybrid working environment. Join us in making Oldham a vibrant place to live and work, where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Funding Assistant in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the statutory guidance related to early years funding. Understanding the regulations and entitlements will not only help you in the role but also impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the early years sector. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who work in childcare and funding, as they can provide valuable insights and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a mock schedule of tasks similar to those listed in the job description. This shows initiative and gives you a practical example to discuss in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Oldham Council's values and missions thoroughly. Tailor your conversations and examples during interviews to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, particularly focusing on being 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together'.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Funding Assistant in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Make sure you understand the statutory guidance related to the role, as this will be crucial in your application.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the Early Years Funding Assistant position. Emphasise your communication skills, organisational abilities, and any experience in childcare or public service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting families and childcare providers. Mention specific examples of how you've demonstrated the values of 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together' in your previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Early Years Funding Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the statutory guidance related to early years funding, as this will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively advised or supported others in the past. Be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills through clear and confident responses.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks in a busy environment. You might want to share specific examples from your previous experiences where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems, as this aligns with the council's values of taking ownership and driving change.
