Early Years Census and NEF Compliance Officer

Job Title: Early Years Census and NEF Compliance Officer

Salary: £29,832 - £31,877 per annum

Hours per Week: 35

Location: Pershore

Team: Early Years and Childcare Team

Contract: Permanent

We're seeking a dedicated professional to lead on Nursery Education Funding (NEF) compliance across Worcestershire.

This key role focuses on auditing NEF claims, ensuring early years providers meet the requirements set out by the Department for Education and within the Worcestershire Provider Agreement, as well as maintaining accurate funding records to evidence the allocation of funded hours. You'll provide clear advice, challenge and training to settings, support the development of compliant funding models, and lead on actions where standards are not met, including funding withdrawal processes.

In addition, you will also lead the completion of the termly Early Years Census, to ensure that the statutory return is completed accurately.

About you

• Significant experience in early years and childcare
• Proven ability to manage and analyse data and audit processes
• Confident in advising, influencing and supporting providers
• Knowledge of early years funding and compliance requirements

The role sits within the Early Years and Childcare Team, working closely with the Early Years Funding Team and the School Census Team.

For further information please contact: Nicky Burford, Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency and Improvement Lead -

Benefits

You'll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage.

• Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us?
• Children's Workforce Academy

Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, we will match your holiday up to 31 days. If you're successful and want to take advantage of this, do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Equality & Diversity

The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.