Early Years Information Data and Funding Officer - 04166

The Early Years Service is seeking a full-time Information, Data and Funding Officer to help administer Free Entitlement funding for children aged nine months to five years across West Berkshire.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a small, supportive team providing an efficient service to early years providers and families. You will collect and maintain data, support accurate and timely payments to providers, and give clear information and guidance on funded early education. You will bring excellent IT, communication and customer-service skills, together with a careful and methodical approach to handling information.

The role

• Provide clear, high-quality information, guidance and signposting to parents about Free Entitlement funding for children aged nine months to five years.
• Support accurate and timely funding payments and maintain reliable records in line with data protection and information security requirements.
• Promote Free Early Education for two-year-olds by processing Department for Work and Pensions data, working with Best Start Family Hub and West Berkshire Family Hubs colleagues, and contacting potentially eligible families.
• Support provider data submissions through the MRI Early Years Funding Portal, resolving queries and helping users navigate the system.
• Maintain accurate Early Years records in MRI ONE and contribute to system development, testing and maintenance.
• Respond professionally to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries, applications and complaints, resolving matters wherever possible or referring them appropriately.

About you

• GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, in Maths and English.
• Experience of working in an office environment and using large database systems.
• Confidence using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, including mail merge and adapting formulae.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to explain detailed information clearly.
• A careful, organised approach and an understanding of data protection and information security requirements.
• An understanding of the education system, ideally including Early Years.
• The ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deliver a responsive customer-focused service.
• A driving licence and the ability to attend meetings at locations across the district.
• The ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role confidently in English.
• Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:
• Flexible working, wherever possible, between 07:00 and 21:00.
• Hybrid working where the role allows, with at least 40% of working time based in the office.
• Access to a wide range of learning, training and development opportunities.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family-friendly policies and a range of local, retail and gym discounts.
• A well-being programme, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days, plus public holidays, rising by five additional days after five years’ service.
• Access to the Cycle to Work scheme and workplace well-being support.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

Informal discussion: Please contact Christina Butler on 01635 519 658.

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

West Berkshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share these values. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. This role involves regulated activity with children. As such, appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the relevant Barred List(s).

In this post you will be required to maintain continuous registration with the DBS Update Service for the duration of your employment.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications

AI in Applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.