Job purpose:
This is a senior management position responsible for operational service delivery. Working with the Head of Education Quality & Inclusion to ensure the educational and developmental needs of all children aged 0 – 5 years are met, within a geographical area, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Key responsibilities:
1. Lead the implementation of Council’s Early Years Strategy within a defined geographical area including the development of early years and childcare services, improving early years practice, supporting childcare for over 5’s and delivering all government initiatives in relation to early years and childcare.
2. Working with the Strategy Team to ensure sufficiency of places and delivery of funding for the early years sector, in line with Department for Education guidance, which requires complex decision-making at a local level with stakeholders and at strategic level.
3. Meet statutory duties in relation to the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and provide oversight of inclusion and SEND support.
4. Oversee the work of the Early Years Practitioner Team to ensure children are supported to have the best start in life and can access provision that is appropriate for their needs and allows them to thrive.
5. Lead and promote a culture of co-production by working in partnership with children and young people, and their families to ensure that any service design and improvements are led by user experience.
6. To work in partnership across the directorate and with partners to develop joint strategies and deliver operational plans which improve the experiences and outcomes of children aged 0-5 in Devon.
Requirements:
7. Educated to degree level or an equivalent relevant professional qualification or experience.
8. A leadership qualification or evidence of the study of leadership and management.
9. Demonstrated, sustained leadership and management experience at a senior level in early years or a local authority including operational delivery, performance, budget, and people management
10. Substantial experience of effective partnership working at a senior level to improve outcomes for children and young people.
11. Proven track record of proactively influencing, leading and delivering major cultural and organisational change in a complex system environment.
12. Demonstrated success in collaborating with children, young people, families and carers, and using their feedback to improve service delivery
13. Ability to deploy advanced skills to inspire, motivate, coach, and develop team members to achieve high levels of performance.
14. Financial management and management of budgets
15. In depth knowledge of the statutory responsibilities across early years and childcare, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
16. Excellent understanding and practical application of relevant legislation including the Childcare Act 2006, the Childcare Act 2016, the Early Years and Childcare statutory guidance, the Children and Families Act 1014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
17. Through knowledge of regulatory and inspection standards and up to date knowledge of Ofsted frameworks.
18. Understanding of finance, including the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and early years block.
The successful candidate will embody Devon County Council’s Core Principles and Behaviours, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.