Do you thrive on leading others and working in partnership with a range of customers?

Do you have experience of researching, analysing, and interpreting information?

Do you enjoy adapting to changing situations and can work in a flexible manner?

You would be joining the team at an exciting time, as we move forward to implementation of the government childcare expansion where, starting from April 2024, existing childcare support for families will be expanded in phases. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support. The governments ambition is that there will also be an increase in the availability of wrap around childcare for primary school children by September 2026.

We have a new and unique opportunity to join us as an Early Years and Childcare Team Manager, to support and develop the wrap around element of this programme.

If you have experience of strategic working, business planning and/or project management, we would love to hear from you.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

The Opportunity

Location: Hybrid role, you can work from the following locations: County Hall Chichester, County Hall North Horsham, or Bridge House Worthing, including working from home. Your location and office days will be confirmed with you at interview. You must be able to travel throughout the county including to locations that are not always accessible by public transport.

Interview date: 22 and 23 January 2024

This is a holistic role, working within the Children, Young People and Learning Directorate which includes services such as Early Help, Children's Social Care and Education and Skills.

As a Team Manager for Early Years and Childcare (wraparound childcare), you will provide leadership and support to expand the availability of places and improve the quality of wraparound childcare provision across West Sussex.

In this role, you will use your knowledge and skills to ensure inclusive practice in childcare and education, providing high quality family support for children and young people aged 0-19 years.

This is an interesting opportunity where you will support the government's plans to introduce or expand childcare provision by 2026, for primary school-aged children to access term time childcare from 8am to 6pm. This initiative will support families accessing employment to support the improvement of the labour market.

Key responsibilities in this role include:

Mapping the current wraparound childcare provision across West Sussex.Using market research and analysis skills to advise others on early years and childcare provisions.Establishing and co-ordinating an agreed programme of projects to meet the requirements for wraparound childcareProviding guidance on best practice.Following safeguarding procedures, confidentiality, and promoting safe practice.Responsibility for a departmental budget of around GBP5m for the government's programme, staffing costs and forward planning.Providing advice and support to providers, and collaboratively working with agencies, partners, colleagues, and other local authorities.

About You

We are looking for a leader who has a passion for inspiring others with the ability to influence and challenge where required.

You will need experience of managing a team, and developing and maintaining datasets, with an understanding of current legislation, national policies and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Benefits

For a full list this can be found at our Rewards and Benefits page.

In addition to working within a great team and a competitive salary you will have access to:

Further Information

To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter.

In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and an occupational health check.

Equity, inclusion, and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.