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- Tasks: Lead policy development to support early years education and influence national education policy.
- Company: A forward-thinking organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in early years education for disadvantaged children.
- Qualifications: Experience in education policy and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53050 - 53050 £ per year.
London (with hybrid working – a minimum of one day per week in the London office)
The Organisation
Our client is focused on supporting education to break down barriers between student success and finance. They support the education sector through research and working within schools to drive initiatives that directly support learners.
The Benefits
- Salary of £53,050 per annum
- Flexible working opportunities
- 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays, including 3 which can be taken flexibly)
- 2 festive season closure days
- 6% employer pension contributions, minimum 3% employee contribution
- Life insurance cover
- Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle scheme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay (conditions apply)
- Confidential Employee Assistance Programme to help you deal with any personal and professional problems
The Role
As a Senior Early Years Policy Manager, you will lead the development of policies to support our client’s work in the early years education sector. Seeking to influence national education policy, you will play a vital role in the creation of a programme of support for educational policymakers. Your overall aim will be to ensure that focus is placed on disadvantaged children, quality of practice and the use of evidence in early years settings. You will work with the Programme Lead and Head of Policy to identify priorities, establish the policy position and build the relationships that will deliver them. Communicating the policy position to relevant and varied audiences, you will also support data to improve evaluation and enable the end-to‑end delivery of strategic projects.
Additionally, you will:
- Support work on professional development in early years education
- Lead projects to improve training and support for teachers and leaders
- Ensure our client’s wider activity reflects their policies
- Maintain your understanding of early years policy developments
- Support and update the senior team on policy-related work
About You
To be considered as a Senior Early Years Policy Manager, you will need:
- Experience working in education policy or a related field
- An excellent understanding of the early years English education landscape and relevant government policies
- The ability to analyse complex policy problems and identify opportunities for research to inform policy solutions
- The ability to build relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders
- Strong project management skills and the ability to work in complex and changing delivery environments
- Strong attention to detail and a curiosity to engage deeply with evidence and research
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- A collaborative and pragmatic approach, coupled with the ability to build relationships
- Strong advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion
- A degree level qualification in a relevant field
All staff are subject to a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The level of this check will be "Basic". The closing date for this role is 25th May 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Webrecruit and our clients are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Senior Early Years Policy Manager employer: Webrecruit
Contact Detail:
Webrecruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Policy Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education policy field. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience and insights into early years education policy. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the organisation's mission and how your skills align with their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions related to policy development and stakeholder engagement so you can confidently showcase your abilities.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Policy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Early Years Policy Manager role. Highlight your experience in education policy and how it aligns with our client's mission to support disadvantaged children.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your project management skills and your ability to analyse complex policy problems. Use specific examples that show how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Communicate Clearly: Since exceptional written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make your points easy to understand – we want to see your ability to communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of current early years education policies and any recent changes. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and how they aim to influence national policy. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with policymakers or stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you can leverage these skills to further the organisation's objectives in early years education.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss complex policy problems you've encountered and how you approached them. Highlight your ability to analyse data and research to inform policy solutions, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Since exceptional communication skills are essential for this role, consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.