Childcare Development Project Officer| Fixed Term| Full-Time

As a Local Authority, we have a statutory duty to ensure there is sufficient, flexible and sustainable childcare for all children aged 0-14 or 0-18 with SEND. We also have a duty to ensure that parents have access to out of school provision. Lancashire Early Years Service has an exciting opportunity for professionals who have experience of working within a childcare or early years funding service/field. We are looking to appoint two Childcare Development Project Officers on fixed term contract basis until 31 March 2028, to support the roll out of the Government's School Age Childcare Strategy, School Based Nursery Programme and Free School Breakfast Clubs Programme. There is a requirement on all local authorities to meet the requirements of these programmes to ensure all families have access to suitable childcare provision, wraparound and holiday provision. These posts will play a critical role in delivering these programmes and ensuring we have sufficient provision for our children and families to access. Key Accountabilities The role will include the following key responsibilities:

• Supporting the delivery of projects, action plans and tasks associated with childcare creation and expansion, childcare sufficiency & sustainability.
• Undertaking support visits to schools and childcare providers in relation to the creation/expansion and sustainability of childcare places and out of school provision.
• Supporting the development and delivery of initiatives to help ensure Lancashire has sufficient and sustainable childcare places and out of school provision., Although this post is based at County Hall, Preston, working arrangements are a blend of office and home working.
These posts are also essential car users and successful candidates need a full driving license and access to a vehicle.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following:
• Significant experience of working within a childcare or early years service/field.
• Experience of working with or supporting schools and private, voluntary & independent sector childcare providers.
• Experience of working independently with relevant specialised systems, equipment and/or IT software.
• In-depth knowledge of good working practice and legislation relevant to early years and childcare e.g. Early Education & Childcare Statutory Guidance and Operational Guidance, Ofsted registration requirements, Early Years Foundation Stage, Establishing School Based Nurseries Guidance.