Service Development Consultant

Job Title: Service Development Consultant - Early Years Team

Location: Staffordshire (Hybrid)

Contract Type: 8-Month Contract

Pay Rate: Negotiable

The Early Years Team support Staffordshire's Strategic Plan, aiming to provide every child in the region, regardless of background, with the best start in life. We recognise the profound impact of high-quality early education on children short and long-term outcomes. Through collaborative efforts with early years settings and partners, we strive to make positive differences for all children and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Development and Implementation: Spearhead the further development and implementation of the interim operational plan for the early years service, aligning goals with the outcomes and priorities of the local authority's strategic plan as well as the local and national contexts.

• Progress Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the leadership team in monitoring and evaluating progress towards set goals, effectively communicating and identifying any emerging risks, mitigations, and progress.

• Data Analysis: Analyse nationally produced data to assess the effectiveness of the early years service and interventions, supporting data-driven decisions for continuous improvement and accountability.

• Oversight of Information Systems: Provide oversight of internal data sets and information systems related to early education and childcare, ensuring robust intelligence to meet the needs of the service and any new government initiatives.

• Quality Assurance: Further develop quality assurance processes and monitor their implementation to ensure integration into service delivery.

• Professional Development Coordination: Plan and coordinate a cohesive professional development program for early years practitioners, focusing on first-quality teaching, inclusion, promoting best practices, and updates from current national policy and initiatives.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• A degree or similar level experience, preferably in education, early years, or SEND.
• Substantial experience leading and supporting service improvement within a relevant context.
• Ability to quickly develop positive working relationships and foster effective teamwork, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience driving initiatives from initiation through to completion.
• Ability to translate and implement policies, strategic priorities, and legislation into clear team and business plan objectives.
• Proficiency in understanding data and insight to improve practice.
• Ability to work under pressure, adhere to tight timescales, and prioritise work plans to meet targets and milestones.

If you are passionate about making a difference in early years education, possess the required skills and qualifications, and are ready to take on this rewarding challenge, we encourage you to apply.