Description Job Description Are you looking for a role where you can work in a busy and high-profile policy area that improves children’s outcomes by supporting high-quality, inclusive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision? You will join the Supporting Quality Improvement Team within the Quality, Equity and Workforce Unit. Since 2014 the Scottish Government has undertaken one of the most significant reforms to public services in a generation by almost doubling the entitlement to high quality, funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) for all eligible children. The Quality, Equity and Workforce Unit has a key role in realising Ministers’ visions that funded childcare should improve children’s outcomes and life chances, particularly when they are growing up in disadvantaged circumstances. As part of a wider team you will support the development and implementation of policy measures to improve children’s outcomes by improving the quality of the ELC provision. The Supporting Quality Improvement Team comprises of a C1, two Policy Managers and this post. The Quality, Equity and Workforce Unit have a strong commitment to supporting and developing colleagues so that they can fulfil their potential, as well as a culture of mutual support and care for each other. Responsibilities Providing support to the team on additional support needs policy by progressing elements of policy development. Supporting the Play and Outdoor Learning Policy Manager on ELC play and outdoor learning policy, including Ministerial priorities relating to effective and consistent embedding of Realising the Ambition. Supporting the Quality Policy Manager on ELC policy relating to food and nutrition including responding to enquiries from stakeholders and representing ELC team on the various cross-government policy groups. Effectively implementing updated Setting the Table Guidance. Leading the secretariat for the national ELC Supporting Quality Improvement Group, chaired by the Unit Head for ELC Quality, Equity and Workforce Working across the team to further develop the overarching policy on how ELC is contributing towards closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Leading on the Supporting Quality Improvement Team’s MiCases and various contributions to submissions, briefings, speeches, PQs, FOIs and media enquiries. This will include maintaining the Team’s core brief. Responsibilities Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Policy Context and Purpose - Developing Participation and Engagement - Developing You can find out more about the skills required here: Policy Profession Standards Annex Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing – Level 3 Working Together – Level 3 Managing a Quality Service – Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for 10/07/25 onwards, however this may be subject to change. Due to assessments taking place during peak leave time, the panel will accommodate alternative dates if required. Qualifications About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.