Early Years Improvement Officer

Early Years Improvement Officer

Required: As soon as possible
Hours: Full Time (5 days per week, 37 hours)
Grade: G7
Location: Chesney's Centre with travel across Wakefield Local Authority

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Wakefield's Early Years Quality and Improvement Team as an Early Years Improvement Officer. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated practitioner to support childcare providers across the district in delivering high quality early education and childcare for children and families.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting childcare providers, childminders and early years settings to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the Ofsted Inspection Framework. You will provide advice, guidance, training and targeted support to help settings improve outcomes for children, maintain high standards of practice and work towards achieving good or outstanding Ofsted judgements.

This varied role will involve working closely with a wide range of providers, including childminders, day nurseries. You will also support new providers through registration processes and help them become part of the Wakefield Provider Directory and deliver funded early education places for eligible children.

We are looking for candidates with knowledge and experience of:

• The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and its implementation within childcare and early years settings.
• Ofsted standards, regulations and inspection requirements.
• Supporting settings to improve practice and achieve positive inspection outcomes.
• Training, coaching and mentoring adults to develop professional practice.
• Working collaboratively with childcare providers and wider partner agencies.
• Safeguarding requirements and promoting inclusive practice for all children.
• Delivering high quality training, support and guidance to a range of audiences.
• Developing effective relationships with childcare providers and support services.
• Identifying strengths and areas for development and creating clear improvement plans with measurable outcomes.
• Safeguarding knowledge, with a commitment to no more than 3 Saturday sessions across the year to deliver training to childminders.

The successful applicant will be a confident communicator with excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload across the district. You will be able to work independently whilst contributing positively to a supportive and experienced team.

This role will involve regular visits to childcare settings and childminders across Wakefield District. Applicants must therefore be able to travel throughout the district to carry out the duties of the post.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Stephanie White

E-mail: swhite@wakefield.gov.uk

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.