Team Lead Education, Quality and Inclusion - Early Years

Team Lead Education, Quality and Inclusion - Early Years - South and West Devon

Permanent
Full Time 37 hours a week

Are you a passionate leader committed to improving outcomes for children and families? We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional to support the South and West Service Lead in delivering high-quality early years and childcare services.

The role is responsible for ensuring the educational and developmental needs of children aged 0-5’s are met, while supporting the Local Authority to fulfil its statutory duties relating to childcare sufficiency, funded entitlements, and information sharing.

Whilst the office base is South Hams District Council Offices, Follaton House, Totnes, the role has a locality-wide focus, supporting the delivery of services and engagement with partners across Teignbridge, South Hams and West Devon.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of the Early Years Senior Leadership Team, you will:

• Support the implementation of the Council's Early Years Strategy and national early years and childcare initiatives.
• Ensure sufficient, accessible childcare places and funded early education entitlements are available in line with Department for Education guidance.
• Lead and support Early Years and Childcare Advisory Teams to deliver statutory responsibilities and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide expert leadership on early years legislation, Ofsted requirements, SEND, safeguarding, and inclusive practice.
• Work collaboratively with providers, schools, partners, and communities to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Promote co-production and the Four Cornerstones approach, ensuring services are shaped by the experiences and needs of children, young people, and families.

About You

You will have significant experience within early years, childcare, education, or children's services, alongside strong leadership, partnership-working, and service improvement skills. A thorough understanding of early years legislation, safeguarding, SEND, and childcare sufficiency is essential.

Join us and help ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

For more information, or to request an informal discussion about this opportunity, please email Sue Bolt, Team Lead at sue.bolt@devon.gov.uk

Closing date: mid-day Monday 12th October 2026
Interview date: W/b Monday 19th October 2026

How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.