About The Role
Head of Education and Early Years – Mid Essex
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £78,438 to £92,279 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 22nd April 2026
Job Start: August/September 2026
Interview Dates: 18th & 22nd May 2026 at County Hall, Chelmsford
Responsibilities
* Lead improvement in Early Years Childcare Settings (EYCS), schools, and other educational providers across the Mid Education Quadrant of Essex.
* Provide effective leadership of the Early Years and School Effectiveness teams, collaborating with EYCS, schools, Teaching School Hubs and other providers to identify improvement areas, solutions, and support implementation.
* Deliver the educational strategy and overall performance of the quadrant.
* Develop and advance school partnerships as part of the School Partnership Strategy to enhance learning outcomes and broker support.
* Contribute to meeting income‑generation targets by maximising traded opportunities with schools.
* Collaborate with the SEND Quadrant Manager and Assistant Director to influence inclusive educational practice.
* Lead the quadrant attendance team to monitor school effectiveness in managing attendance and reducing exclusions, offering advice and developing supportive plans.
* Strategically develop intensive school improvement support for under‑performing Essex schools, ensuring rapid progress and positive outcomes.
* Promote innovative approaches to improve quality of teaching, learning, and partnerships.
* Maintain a robust system of monitoring school performance and the outcomes of support and challenge, driving all schools to achieve good or outstanding ratings.
* Embed safeguarding procedures across schools and settings within the area to protect vulnerable children aged 0 to 25.
You Will Bring
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent with extensive experience, preferably as a Head teacher or Senior Leader of Inclusion.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge of the legislative framework in the relevant area.
* Senior leadership experience within an education setting; Ofsted training desirable.
* Deep understanding and experience improving standards in Early Years, schools, and other providers.
* Exemplary leadership and behavioural skills, able to focus on results and build a diverse workforce team.
* Experience managing provision for pupils with a full range of education needs.
* Proven track record in effective partnership and inter‑agency work, supporting strategic objectives.
* Proven ability to influence, lead, and deliver major cultural and organisational change in a complex environment.
Minimum: Must have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle (or other mobility means) to operate throughout the area.
What’s in it for you?
* Generous time off: starting with 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days per year.
* Secure future with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Health and wellbeing: comprehensive medical insurance.
* Professional growth: coverage of professional fees for approved professions.
* Work‑life balance: flexible hybrid working arrangements.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public‑service environment with transformational change and better quality at lower cost. Enthusiastic about innovation and community impact, Essex provides flexible working options and a focus on career development.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme, provided they meet the minimum requirements. We also interview all veterans and care leavers meeting the minimum requirements.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We ask all staff to embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process.
Employees may need to register with the DBS update service if the role requires a DBS check, with annual subscription responsibility on the employee.
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