Job Title: Service Manager – Early Years & Childcare
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Contract Type: Temporary
Working Hours: Full-time
Hourly Rate: £32 per hour (umbrella)
Role Overview
This position is part of a Transformation Unit that supports a specific area of the organisation. The primary aim is to deliver efficient, high-quality procurement and contract management services. The role involves implementing effective practices to achieve cost savings and maximise efficiency while adhering to internal Contract Procedure Rules, Financial Regulations, the Procurement Strategy, and relevant legislation and policies.
Main Duties
- Enhance the wellbeing of young children and work to reduce inequalities.
- Ensure early years services are integrated to improve outcomes for children under five and address disparities.
- Provide or commission guidance, advice, and training for childcare providers.
- Ensure the availability of sufficient early years funded places for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds across a mixed market model, including wraparound care, and prepare an annual sufficiency report and action plan.
- Promote best practices in line with statutory frameworks, including EYFS, Working Together, and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Handle safeguarding concerns by adhering to policies and acting as a liaison between Ofsted, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and other relevant agencies involved in reported incidents within childcare settings.
Candidate Requirements
- A Level 6 qualification in a relevant field, such as Early Years, Education, or Childcare.
- Demonstrable recent experience in middle or senior leadership roles within a local authority or educational environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of current legislation, policies, and future developments related to Early Years and EYFS, market management, sufficiency planning, workforce development, SEND, early help, and national best practices.
- Strong leadership skills with proven experience in managing people and enhancing performance.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, with the capacity to negotiate, persuade, and organise effectively.
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