Thrive at Five is a charity committed to improving early childhood development outcomes in communities across the UK. We believe that all children, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to thrive by the time they start school. We work in close partnership with local organisations, families, and communities to build strong local systems and support parents and carers as key contributors to their children’s development.
Please visit our website for a detailed overview of our work www.thriveatfive.org.uk
About the Role
We are looking for a Community Development Lead – Early Years to play a central role in developing and supporting early years activities in partnership with local organisations in Domanstown, Grangetown, Kirkleatham, Southbank and Eston. This role will focus on the early years period (0–5 years), helping to identify effective ways of reaching families at scale, supporting the rollout of evidence-based programmes, and building opportunities for community members to come together.
You will be a proactive, collaborative, and empathetic individual with experience of community development, early years practice, or systems change. You will work alongside a wide range of local partners including health, early years settings, the voluntary sector, and parents themselves.
Contract: Fixed Term - 2 Years
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local organisations to co-create and support early years activities.
• Identify and implement strategies to engage families, particularly those least likely to access existing support.
• Support the rollout and integration of the PEEP programme (Peeple - charity supporting parents with children’s learning ) across community and early years settings.
• Co-design and pilot new Parent-Baby/Toddler (PBT) groups in response to local needs.
• Supporting the co-production, planning and implementation of events bringing together families with each other and local organisations.
• Work closely with families and community members to ensure initiatives are inclusive, culturally appropriate, and locally owned.
• Collect and share feedback, stories, and data to evaluate the impact of activities and inform future planning.
• Build capacity in the community by supporting training and development opportunities for volunteers and practitioners.
• Represent Thrive at Five in local forums and partnership groups.
About You
We’re looking for someone who has:
• Experience in community development, early years education, family engagement, or a related field.
• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative, empathetic approach with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, especially the 0–5 age range.
• Confidence in project coordination and managing multiple workstreams.
• A commitment to Thrive at Five’s mission and vison.
Person Specification
Job Title: Community Development Lead – Early Years
Location: Redcar and Cleveland
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong alignment with Thrive at Five’s mission and values, alongside the following experience, skills, and attributes
Essential Criteria
Experience & Knowledge
* At least 2 years' experience of working in community development, early years, family support, or a related field.
* Relevant degree level qualification, professional (health, social care, early years, youth work) registration or substantial practice experience.
* Proven ability to work independently.
* Proven ability to engage with diverse communities and build trust-based relationships.
* Experience of partnership working, ideally with public, voluntary and community sector organisations.
* Understanding of the early years (0–5) landscape, including the challenges faced by families in disadvantaged areas.
* Knowledge of inclusive, asset-based approaches to working with communities.
Skills & Abilities
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Ability to engage and co-create with a range of stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and professionals.
* Strong facilitation and group work skills, with experience designing or leading community-based activities.
* Competence in gathering, analysing and presenting feedback or data to support learning and impact.
* Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
* Leadership skills to help form, implement and review all activities.
Values & Approach
* Passionate about reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for young children.
* Collaborative and open-minded, with a learning-oriented approach.
* Committed to equity, inclusion and diversity.
* Commitment to working in a culturally responsive way.
* Comfortable working independently as well as part of a wider team.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of delivering or supporting the rollout of structured early years programmes (e.g. PEEP, Stay & Play, HENRY, etc.).
* Lived experience of the communities we serve or direct experience as a parent/carer.
* Understanding of Redcar and Cleveland’s community landscape and local systems.
* Knowledge of trauma-informed or strengths-based practice.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to becky.booth@thriveatfive.org.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr