Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us .
Early Years Service Lead
The Early Years Service sits within the Education Directorate. It delivers statutory duties under the Childcare Act 2006 and Children Act 2016 SEND code of practice on behalf of Windsor and Maidenhead Council. The service secures sufficient childcare for working families; early education funding for children aged 9 months to 4 years; and wraparound childcare for primary aged children. The service provides information or advice to parents and carers; advisory support to ensure safe, inclusive early years and childcare provision; and the team is based in the town hall, Maidenhead.
Operational area Windsor and Maidenhead Primary place of work Maidenhead Town Hall, SL6 1LF Appointment type Permanent Business area Education Full time/Part time Full-time Salary from £53,829(G10.57) Salary to £58,869 (G10.60) Hours 37 Estimated Interview date/s 09/03/2026 Closing Date 27/02/2026 Job Reference 2224 Documents
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About the role
In all roles across AfC the post holders will be expected to develop and lead a culture of partnership and innovation, so that services are child focussed, flexible and adaptable. The whole organisation should learn from mistakes, share knowledge and challenge existing practice.
The post holder is expected to:
2. Lead a team of 3 officers and implement development priorities so that all providers receive support and challenge, statutory duties are fully met and children have positive experiences and outcomes;
3. Oversee and monitor the quality and impact of the Early Years (EY) team, providing effective line management and professional support to the team, including recruitment;
4. Oversee and monitor the administration of the early education entitlement funding;
5. Establish and develop strong partnership work with internal and external colleagues in health, safeguarding, financial, as well as education;
6. Monitor and report on progress to the Deputy Director of Education, Ofsted, the DfE and other external stakeholders.
For further information about this role, please contact Clive Haines by email for an informal discussion.
About you
The successful candidate will be:
7. Significant successful teaching or leadership experience in an early years setting.
8. A proven track record as a leader, with experience of managing and developing a diverse team.
9. In depth expert knowledge of statutory legislation and national policy related to EY (e.g Ofsted inspection of early years settings.
10. Ability to effectively use data, intelligence and evidence to create meaningful insight and to inform own decision making.
11. Ability to work in a pressurised environment, with high levels of resilience.
12. Robust experience of tight budget oversight/ management, working within an agreed framework.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
13. 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
14. Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
15. Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
16. Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
17. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
18. A range of staff benefits and discounts
19. An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children. For our social work offer. For our Recruitment Journey,
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.