Directorate : Children and Family Services Section : Access, Governance and School Services Location : Civic Centre Grade : Level 7 Salary : £31,022 - £33,699 per annum Hours : 37 hours per week This advert is open to both Internal and External applicants. Job Opportunity: Early Education Support Officer We are looking for an Early Education Support Officer to join our Place Planning and Sufficiency Team. Working closely with early years providers and schools, this vital role supports the delivery of the early education funding entitlements. The role also provides advice and guidance to parents, early years providers and schools in relation to the early education entitlements. The key responsibilities include: •Assess eligibility of families to access the Free Early Education Entitlements, Early Years Pupil Premium and Disability Access Fund. Notify parents of the outcome of their application. • Provide timely and accurate financial information to allow for the payment to early years providers and schools. • Provide information and advice to parents, early years providers and schools, ensuring they understand the eligibility criteria and funding processes. • Manage and maintain our ICT system used to administer the free early education entitlements. Provide training and support to early years providers and schools in use of the ICT system. • Co-ordination of the Early Years Census. • Undertake early education funding audits which will include visits to early years settings. • Promotion of the take-up of the free early education entitlements. We are looking for someone: • Good IT, data processing and numerical skills. • Who has a good understanding of financial processes. • Who has good communication skills. • Who is able to prioritise workloads and problem-solve using their initiative. • Who has an understanding of the early education entitlements and early years sector. If you would like further information about the role, please contact Amanda Evans (Team Manager) on 01782236283 or amanda.evans@stoke.gov.uk. Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.