Nursery Education Funding Officer

Job Description

Job Title: Nursery Education Funding Officer

Salary: £39,027 - £44,463 per annum

Grade: E

12 Months Fixed Term Contract

37 Hours per Week

About the Role

The purpose of the role is to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payments for nursery education for children aged nine months and above, in accordance with established funding criteria and statutory timescales.

The post holder is responsible for the correct allocation of funding, the collection and maintenance of all required monitoring information, and the provision of informed professional advice to the management team regarding any amendments to the Nursery Education Grant (NEG) processes.

In addition, the role requires active participation in relevant funding groups, offering expert guidance as appropriate, and the administration of additional grant funding payments in line with prescribed criteria and deadlines.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Ability to manage a team to achieve high levels of performance and quality standards
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at senior levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and use it to inform decisions and improvements
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and other Windows based software systems
• Ability to manage competing priorities, assess risk and make sound decisions under pressure
• A secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Education entitlement funding streams for 9 months - 4-year-olds and the associated DfE guidance
• Experience of working in finance

Essential qualifications: GCSE English & Maths or equivalent
DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at Basic Level is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date - Redeployment Only: 12thMarch 2026

Closing Date - Internal & External Applications: 29th March 2026

Interview Date: 7th April 2026

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Dawn Cassidy, an officer in the Nursery Education Funding & Entitlement Team, if you would like an informal discussion about this role dcassidy@thurrock.gov.uk

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council