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Job Description

Job Purpose

To support the raising of standards in early years education and care by improving the quality of learning, development, and safeguarding practices across all early years settings. The role focuses on narrowing the attainment gap for vulnerable children (e.g., CLA, children experiencing disadvantage, EAL, SEN), supporting compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and contributing to the objectives of the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP).

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice, challenge and support to early years providers (schools, children’s centres, PVI settings, childminders and out of school clubs) to ensure high-quality practice and improved outcomes.
• Develop existing CPD sector wide targeted training, briefings and networks across the city on EYFS statutory requirements, safeguarding, curriculum guidance, and childcare legislation.
• Support new and existing providers through the Ofsted registration and inspection process, offering tailored guidance to improve inspection outcomes including those judged or at risk of being judged below expected level.
• Monitor and evaluate data to assess progress against early years priorities and inform improvement planning.
• Identify and challenge poor practice in line with the Ofsted Framework and promote best practice across the sector.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to implement local and national early years priorities.
• Produce reports, improvement plans, and contribute to the 0–5 Learning Improvement Team’s traded offer.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of early years pedagogy, safeguarding, and national policy through research and development.

Training and Development Delivery

• Design and deliver a range of CPD formats including:
  • Face-to-face and online sessions
  • Central training events and conferences
  • In-setting coaching, mentoring, and modelling of effective practice
  • Cluster-based training and network facilitation
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• A full and relevant minimum requirement Level 3 qualification up to level 6 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Education or a closely related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development related to early years practice, safeguarding, quality improvement and/or leadership.
• Significant leadership experience in early years settings
• Strong understanding of EYFS, early years pedagogy, and child development
• Experience in delivering training and supporting quality improvement

Personal Specification

Method of Assessment: will be through one or more of the following application form, test, interview, and certificate

Essential Requirements: It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Skills Required

• Able to sort, analyse and evaluate information relevant to early years improvement and the ability to apply criteria to make sound judgements.
• Able to build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and partner organisations.
• Able to effectively manage a challenging workload within a pressurised environment and meet tight and often conflicting deadlines.
• Able to anticipate issues, plan solutions and make informed decisions by being creative, innovative and forward thinking.
• Able to promote the aims and aspirations of the organisation.
• Able to complete tasks to high standards.
• Able to communicate appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders through a variety of different methods and formats and the ability to influence views and behaviour to meet objectives.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate excellent organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
• Able to use initiative to think creatively and manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Computer literate, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft applications and managing information safely, legally and in line with GDPR and information governance.

Knowledge Required

• A sound knowledge of the principles effective early years provision and what constitutes and contributes to effective early years provision
• A thorough understanding of early years legislation and Early Years curriculum
• An understanding of how data can be used to support Early Years improvement
• A thorough knowledge of the Ofsted framework for the inspection of Early Years

Experience Required

• Proven excellence in early years teaching.
• Significant leadership and operational experience in early years settings
• Strong understanding of EYFS, early years pedagogy, and child development
• Experience in delivering training and supporting quality improvement
• Experience of building and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and partner organisations
• Evidence of a commitment to continuous personal professional development.
• Experience of assuring effective safeguarding within early years setting

**Behavioural And Other Characteristics Required