Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA
Salary: £43,860 - £47,829 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay Award Pending)
Working Hours: 37 Hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months, Secondment for 12 months
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
About the Role
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Early Years, Inclusion and Childcare Service as a Senior Childcare Improvement & Sufficiency Officer on a one-year fixed-term basis (or secondment opportunity). This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a highly skilled and enthusiastic team. You will play a key role in supporting new childcare providers through the Ofsted registration process, as well as working with existing school-age childcare settings to ensure the delivery of high-quality provision.
You will work closely with Early Years settings and schools to deliver the school-age childcare programme, supporting the national rollout of free breakfast clubs and strengthening links between holiday childcare provision and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Your work will help maximise opportunities and contribute to the development of a sustainable school-age childcare market.
A key aspect of the role will involve gathering and analysing data and evidence to support submissions to the Department for Education (DfE). You will also need to be willing to travel to appointments and a range of venues as required.
An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide line management and coordination for the Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officers, ensuring effective delivery of the service.
* Lead on securing sufficient childcare places to meet parental demand, including provision for children with additional needs across out-of-school and wraparound settings.
* Monitor, support, and challenge out-of-school childcare providers to ensure high-quality provision for children aged 4–14.
* Ensure providers delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offer high-quality services and, where required, comply with Ofsted welfare standards.
* Work collaboratively with a range of internal local authority teams and external partners to support service priorities.
* Coordinate and oversee support for providers seeking Ofsted registration, ensuring new childcare settings are fully prepared for their first inspection.
About You
* A relevant Level 6 qualification (e.g. Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
* Proven track record of outstanding childcare practice, with experience in observing, evaluating quality of learning, and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
* Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including statutory welfare requirements, alongside a sound understanding of play work principles and their application to childcare practice.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding requirements for children and young people.
* Ability to interpret and use data effectively to inform decision-making and service improvement.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence and build effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.
We are a Disability Confident Employer.
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