Service Lead - Early Years (Locality)
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £63,225 per annum
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Meet statutory duties in relation to the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and provide oversight of inclusion and SEND support.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Educated to degree level or an equivalent relevant professional qualification or experience.
- A leadership qualification or evidence of the study of leadership and management.
- 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
- Substantial experience of effective partnership working at a senior level to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Proven track record of proactively influencing, leading and delivering major cultural and organisational change in a complex system environment.
- Demonstrated success in collaborating with children, young people, families and carers, and using their feedback to improve service delivery
- Ability to deploy advanced skills to inspire, motivate, coach, and develop team members to achieve high levels of performance.
- Financial management and management of budgets
- In depth knowledge of the statutory responsibilities across early years and childcare, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- 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.
- Through knowledge of regulatory and inspection standards and up to date knowledge of Ofsted frameworks.
- 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.
For an informal discussion please contact Mark Walker mark.walker@devon.gov.uk
Interview date: w/c 02/06/2025
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ007835