Head of Early Years and Childcare

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the YMCA, a charity at the heart of the community in Derbyshire. We are committed to helping people at times of need, regardless of gender, race, ability, or faith. Our values to Protect, Trust, Hope and Persevere underpin all of our services across the county.

As part of the Head of Service for Early Years and Childcare within Lifelong Learning Directorate, the primary role is to lead and oversee the comprehensive 0-11 years' service, encompassing Early Years and Childcare, early years education, wrap-around care, out of school care and school-based activities.

A key aspect of the responsibility lies in ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding across all provisions, while also serving as the nominated individual for Ofsted inspections. Collaborating closely with the Executive team, you will contribute to the development and implementation of the Early Years and Early Years and Childcare vision and strategy. Additionally,

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  actively engage with various stakeholders, including local communities, and government bodies, to foster partnerships and advance the Organisation's objectives on both local and national levels.
  
  
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  Ensure growth and development of Early Years and childcare staff through effective and visionary apprenticeship programmes, continuous professional development and recruitment and retention of staff.
  
  
• Proven experience in strategic leadership and development within the Early Years and Childcare sector, with a track record of successfully implementing strategic plans and driving organisational growth.



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  Demonstrated experience in Financial Accountability, including budget management, and securing resources through partnership working and funding opportunities.
  
  
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  Strong background in governance and compliance, with a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and experience in policy development and implementation., Minimum of level 3 qualification in early years, considered as 'full and relevant' by Ofsted.
  
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Early Childhood Education.


• Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in strategic management, leadership, or governance.


• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations governing early years provision, safeguarding, and Organisation governance.


You must hold a full driving licence, business insurance and have use of a car.

We welcome you to YMCA Derbyshire.

We have been at the heart of the community in Derbyshire since 1847. While the scope of our work has changed considerably over the years, our vision hasn't. Our holistic development in body, mind and spirit and our mission to break down barriers to achievement and help local people to fulfil their potential has remained our constant purpose.

Every year, we support over 300 individuals in our housing provision, enabling them to grow their confidence and move into education, training, employment and into independent living. Alongside this we provide a whole host of youth and community services including our own community gardens. We also provide training and education to 150 young people each year who find mainstream education more difficult, as well as high-quality childcare within our community.

Our team works hard to provide as much care and support for those who need it most, every day we make a difference., At YMCA Derbyshire we aim to transform the lives of the people we work with for the better. We are looking for brilliant people who will ensure that safeguarding the people we work with is a priority.

YMCA Derbyshire are proud to be a 'Disability Confident Employer'. If you are disabled, we will guarantee you an interview if you meet the minimum criteria for the role you have applied for. Are you a disabled candidate who would like to apply on this basis?

If you do not wish to apply under the scheme, but do require us to make reasonable adjustments for you to attend an interview, then please let us know what those adjustments will be.

Equality and Diversity Statement:

YMCA Derbyshire is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of its operations. We value and embrace individual differences and believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. We welcome people from all backgrounds, irrespective of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic., By supporting dual professionalism, we will improve our development, increase our experiences and outcomes which will positively impact YMCA Derbyshire, our employees, our residents and learners and our communities.