Description Salary £32,061-£36,363 Per annum | Fixed Term - 31/03/2028| Full Time - 37 hours per week International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship About the Role As a Local Authority, we have a statutory duty to ensure there is sufficient, flexible and sustainable childcare for all children aged 0-14 or 0-18 with SEND. We also have a duty to ensure that parents have access to out of school provision. Lancashire Early Years Service has an exciting opportunity for professionals who have experience of working within a childcare or early years funding service/field. We are looking to appoint two Childcare Development Project Officers on fixed term contract basis until 31 March 2028, to support the roll out of the Government's School Age Childcare Strategy, School Based Nursery Programme and Free School Breakfast Clubs Programme. There is a requirement on all local authorities to meet the requirements of these programmes to ensure all families have access to suitable childcare provision, wraparound and holiday provision. These posts will play a critical role in delivering these programmes and ensuring we have sufficient provision for our children and families to access. Key Accountabilities The role will include the following key responsibilities: Supporting the delivery of projects, action plans and tasks associated with childcare creation and expansion, childcare sufficiency & sustainability. Undertaking support visits to schools and childcare providers in relation to the creation/expansion and sustainability of childcare places and out of school provision. Supporting the development and delivery of initiatives to help ensure Lancashire has sufficient and sustainable childcare places and out of school provision. Skills and Experience Candidates will need to demonstrate the following: Significant experience of working within a childcare or early years service/field. Experience of working with or supporting schools and private, voluntary & independent sector childcare providers. Experience of working independently with relevant specialised systems, equipment and/or IT software. In-depth knowledge of good working practice and legislation relevant to early years and childcare e.g. Early Education & Childcare Statutory Guidance and Operational Guidance, Ofsted registration requirements, Early Years Foundation Stage, Establishing School Based Nurseries Guidance. For an informal discussion, please contact email kate.dewhurst@lancashire.gov.uk with your name and telephone number and she will arrange a suitable time to call you back. Important Notes: Although this post is based at County Hall, Preston, working arrangements are a blend of office and home working. These posts are also essential car users and successful candidates need a full driving license and access to a vehicle. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab. In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. Job Description/Person Specification