Early Years Service Lead

Overview

The Early Years Service sits within the Education Directorate. It delivers statutory duties under the Childcare Act 2006 and Children Act 2016 SEND code of practice on behalf of Windsor and Maidenhead Council. The service secures sufficient childcare for working families; early education funding for children aged 9 months to 4 years; and wraparound childcare for primary aged children. The service provides information or advice to parents and carers; advisory support to ensure safe, inclusive early years and childcare provision; and the team is based in the town hall, Maidenhead.

In all roles across AfC the post holders will be expected to develop and lead a culture of partnership and innovation, so that services are child focussed, flexible and adaptable. The whole organisation should learn from mistakes, share knowledge and challenge existing practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 3 officers and implement development priorities so that all providers receive support and challenge, statutory duties are fully met and children have positive experiences and outcomes;
• Oversee and monitor the quality and impact of the Early Years (EY) team, providing effective line management and professional support to the team, including recruitment;
• Oversee and monitor the administration of the early education entitlement funding;
• Establish and develop strong partnership work with internal and external colleagues in health, safeguarding, financial, as well as education;
• Monitor and report on progress to the Deputy Director of Education, Ofsted, the DfE and other external stakeholders.

Contact

For further information about this role, please contact Clive Haines by email for an informal discussion.

Qualifications

• Significant successful teaching or leadership experience in an early years setting.
• A proven track record as a leader, with experience of managing and developing a diverse team.
• In depth expert knowledge of statutory legislation and national policy related to EY (e.g Ofsted inspection of early years settings.
• Ability to effectively use data, intelligence and evidence to create meaningful insight and to inform own decision making.
• Ability to work in a pressurised environment, with high levels of resilience.
• Robust experience of tight budget oversight/ management, working within an agreed framework.