Childcare Sufficiency Officer - The Education People

Role Responsibility

In Spring 2023 the Government announced that from April 2024, working parents of two year olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare. From September 2024, 15 hours of free childcare will be extended to working parents of children of from the age of nine months and from September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare per week.

Additionally, the Government announced the expansion of breakfast and afterschool clubs known as ‘wraparound provision’ so that parents of primary school age children can access childcare in their local area from 8am – 6pm during term time. 

To assist in the expansion of places across both free early education and wraparound provision, an opportunity has now arisen for a part time post in the Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency & Sustainability Team primarily covering Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Swale districts.  Although a large proportion of your time will be working from home you will be expected to visit settings in these areas and, on occasions, may be asked to work flexibly to support providers and your colleagues across Kent. 

We are looking for a hardworking motivated individual to join the team who has the ability to deliver a targeted service of high-quality expert advice and guidance to early years and out of school childcare providers to build a sufficient and sustainable childcare market. 

You will be qualified to Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare or Playwork and ideally have at least a Level 3 qualification in business/finance or equivalent. You will have experience of working in an advisory/supportive capacity, demonstrating good communication skills both verbal and written and have the ability to present to a wide ranging audience.

The post will be offered initially on a fixed-term basis until the end of March 2026. The post is part time working 22.2 hours per week (ideally over 3 days per week but this is negotiable for the right candidate).

If you believe you have the necessary skills and experience for these very important roles, we would love to hear from you.

The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Closing date for applications is Monday 6 May 2024 with interviews taking place on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 May 2024.