Early Years and Childcare Funding Education Entitlement Officer
Fixed Term / Secondment (2 years). Part Time (14.8 hours per week). Salary: £35,249 to £41,469 per annum FTE. Location: Chelmsford (hybrid working: 2‑3 days per month in office, remainder remote). Working style: Anywhere worker.
Accountabilities
* Maintain oversight and management of revenue and capital funding streams for EYCC, ensuring efficient financial monitoring/payment systems and regular budget tracking.
* Manage access and delivery of FEEE places for children 9 months to 4 years in compliance with the FEEE contract and National SEND Code of Practice, aligning headcount and census data with payment deadlines.
* Communicate effectively through multiple channels to inform parents and stakeholders about the FEEE offer, promote uptake especially for low‑income families, and handle escalations and complaints.
* Collaborate with the Education Information & Business Systems team to adopt cost‑effective, efficient data systems for headcount and sufficiency.
* Oversee the Essex FEEE contract and funding agreements, updating them to reflect legislative or ECC policy changes.
* Develop and implement compliance audits, reviewing outcomes and ensuring actions are taken.
* Work with other public sector agencies to share best practice, improve monitoring processes, and identify opportunities for value‑add improvements.
* Analyze statistical data and research to highlight significant improvement possibilities for ECC.
* Market and communicate the FEEE offer and manage complaints and contract compliance issues.
* Meet specific individual and shared targets set annually within the performance management framework.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Educated to A level or equivalent by experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Experience in project management and budget management.
* Sound understanding of business management, finance, and funding processes, and ability to create and implement effective finance and information systems.
* Ability to undertake research, develop and implement solutions to identified issues.
* Ability to manage workloads and prioritise tasks.
* Extensive knowledge of the social and economic factors affecting families with young children and the childcare sector.
* Knowledge of IT systems and their application, with experience working with management information systems.
* Experience providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to parents and offering a range of solutions to meet varying needs.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essex County Council is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme, providing reasonable adjustments where needed. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
For queries regarding this role, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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