Somerset Council
Senior Officer Education & Childcare Place
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Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 Hours per week.
Closing date: 20th September 2026
About the Role
As a Senior Officer for Education and Childcare places you will play a key role in ensuring children and young people across Somerset have access to the education and childcare provision they need. Working at the heart of strategic planning, you will use data, demographic intelligence and stakeholder engagement to shape future provision, support major projects and help deliver Somerset’s statutory responsibilities for education sufficiency.
How You'll Make a Difference
- Help ensure children and young people can access the right education places by supporting statutory processes, communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Contribute to the development of education place planning, coordinating consultations, analysing options and supporting timely decision-making.
- Use data, insight and forecasting to identify future demand, inform strategies and support Department for Education returns.
- Support the development of plans, strategies, funding bids and reports that help shape education provision across Somerset.
- Build strong partnerships with schools, the Department for Education and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality, sustainable services and improvements.
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What You'll Bring
- Experience working within education, local government, planning, commissioning or a similar strategic environment.
- Knowledge of the education sector and the ability to build strong relationships with schools and education partners.
- Understanding of education planning, including demographics, transport, housing, funding and policy.
- Experience delivering projects, leading change and driving improvements in education or public sector settings.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and report-writing skills.
- Ability to analyse data, support decision-making and manage priorities effectively.
- Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
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Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Further Information
This role is subject to a DBS check
30 Days annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
Flexible working available, using a hybrid model. Minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Love, Service Manager – Education Places Strategy via email sarah.love@somerset.gov.uk
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: AG0634 Senior Officer Education and Childcare Places - Role Description.pdf
If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.
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