Description Job Title: Nursery Education Funding Officer Salary: £39,027 - £44,463 per annum Grade: E 12 Months Fixed Term Contract 37 Hours per Week About the Role The purpose of the role is to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payments for nursery education for children aged nine months and above, in accordance with established funding criteria and statutory timescales. The post holder is responsible for the correct allocation of funding, the collection and maintenance of all required monitoring information, and the provision of informed professional advice to the management team regarding any amendments to the Nursery Education Grant (NEG) processes. In addition, the role requires active participation in relevant funding groups, offering expert guidance as appropriate, and the administration of additional grant funding payments in line with prescribed criteria and deadlines. We’re Looking For Someone Who Has: Ability to manage a team to achieve high levels of performance and quality standards Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at senior levels Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and use it to inform decisions and improvements Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and other Windows based software systems Ability to manage competing priorities, assess risk and make sound decisions under pressure A secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Education entitlement funding streams for 9 months - 4-year-olds and the associated DfE guidance Experience of working in finance Essential qualifications: GCSE English & Maths or equivalent DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at Basic Level is required for this post. Benefits of Working with Us At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous annual leave entitlement Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) Ongoing training and professional development Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support Staff discounts and local offers A supportive and inclusive working environment Important Dates Closing Date - Redeployment Only: 12th March 2026 Closing Date - Internal & External Applications: 29th March 2026 Interview Date: 7 th April 2026 Additional Information If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Dawn Cassidy, an officer in the Nursery Education Funding & Entitlement Team, if you would like an informal discussion about this role dcassidy@thurrock.gov.uk To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document) If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.