Vale of Glamorgan Council
Flying Start Senior Childcare Leader - Temporary / Fixed Term March 2028
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About The Organisation
Are you passionate about high-quality childcare and helping young children thrive?
Do you possess the skills and experience to support a team within a nurturing, high-quality childcare environment? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
The Vale of Glamorgan Council seeks applications to join its Flying Start Programme—a Welsh Government initiative supporting families with children aged 0–3 years in targeted areas. Our mission is to give every child the best possible start by delivering high-quality early-years services.
The programme focuses on:
- Promoting language, cognitive, social and emotional development
- Developing physical skills
- Early identification of additional needs
We achieve these goals through:
- Health Visiting and support
- Speech, Language and Communication initiatives
- Parenting programmes
- Funded part-time childcare
As a Senior Childcare Leader with the Vale of Glamorgan’s Flying Start Programme, you’ll become part of a strong, motivated team dedicated to:
- Providing a safe, valued, and inspirational environment for children
- Fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence through play
Benefits of Joining the Flying Start Team
- Professional Development: Access ongoing training and reflective practice sessions to support career advancement
- Positive Impact: Contribute to a Welsh Government initiative that transforms lives for families and children across the community
- Supportive Team Environment: Join a friendly, collaborative group committed to high-quality early years provision
- Job Security: Programme funded until March 2028
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About the Role
Pay
Grade 7 (SCP 20-25) – £32,597 – £36,363 pro rata
Working Pattern
- 37 hours per week, 42 weeks term-time + 3 weeks agreed leave
- Base Location: Barry
Award Duration: Temporary (until March 2028), tied to Welsh Government funding for the initiative.
Key Responsibilities
You will play an active role in:
- Supporting childcare settings to deliver a high-quality, safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children aged 2–3 years
- Supervising and mentoring a team of apprentice childcare workers within Flying Start settings to:
- Coordinate placements
- Provide enriched learning opportunities to support their professional qualifications
- Organising peer support development sessions for apprentices, linking to their training to:
- Encourage participation and confidence-building
- Lead on activities within settings
- Working within childcare environments to model best practice and mentor staff on:
- Embedding high-quality care in daily routines
Additional responsibilities include:
- Ensuring universal strategies for development are embedded in practice and adaptable for individual needs
- Collaborating with the Early Years Advisor to:
- Maintain and exceed quality standards
- Leading termly transition sessions for children and parents transitioning to childcare settings
- Participating in:
- Team meetings
- Training sessions
- Reflective practice activities for continued professional development
Daily Responsibility
As the Senior Childcare Leader for two childcare settings, you’ll:
- Work closely with another Senior Childcare Leader, Childcare Manager, and advisory team
- Guarantee consistency of standards
- Ensure effective environments
- Foster engaging experiences through enriched activities and interactions
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You’ll be an integral part of the wider Flying Start team, supported by generous growth opportunities.
Requirements & Person Specification
Essential criteria:
-
Three years plus of experience working with children in a pre-school setting
-
Proficiency in the CIW inspection process
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Qualifications:
- Minimum NVQ Level 4/QCF Level 5 in Children, Care & Learning Development or equivalent
- Evidence of theory and practice in leadership and management
- Ideally, a recognised advanced practitioner status
-
Proven ability to supervise staff
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Good general education (focus on early-years, education, or related sector)
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Strong motivation and enthusiasm for the role—understanding of responsibilities required
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Friendly and approachable demeanour with competencies to:
- Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, and professionals
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Ability to drive/travel throughout Vale of Glamorgan (or between locations)
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Ability to speak/understand Welsh is desirable
Additional Information
A DBS check (Enhanced, covering Adult & Child barred lists) will be required.
For inquiries and further information, contact:
- Claire Urch – Early Years and Childcare Manager → curch@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
- Emma Selby – Childcare Manager → emselby@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01446 732180 or 01446 725106
See attached job description/person specification for comprehensive details.
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