We are excited to be hiring two Senior Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Officers to join our fantastic Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team.
One position will be based in East Surrey, with a current work base location at Woodhatch Place in Reigate, and one position will be based in West Surrey, with the current work base location at Victoria Gate in Woking.
We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 1 days per week on average (20% of the working week), typically rotating between Woodhatch Place and Victoria gate. We then support working from home the rest of the time when you are not in the community visiting providers.
Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.About The Role
The Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team supports early years and school-age childcare providers across Surrey to deliver sustainable, high-quality provision. We provide advice on sufficiency, funding, business sustainability and market development, helping ensure families can access the childcare they need.
A typical day in this role could see you supporting the opening of new nurseries or school-age childcare settings, visiting sites across the county, and guiding Officers with expert advice on business planning and financial forecasting.
Using data and intelligence, you will identify areas of need, inform Surrey's childcare sufficiency planning and help shape strategies that improve access for children and families, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Alongside this, you'll work closely with a wide range of partners - including education, health, property, legal teams, school leaders, Family Centres, parents and data analysts - to ensure children can access high-quality early years and childcare provision, ensure that the early years funded entitlements are delivered effectively, and strengthen the early years and school-age childcare sector through engaging and high-quality training.
The role includes line management responsibility for an officer within the team, providing supervision, professional support and development opportunities to help drive high-quality practice.
By joining the Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team, you will play a key role in shaping Surrey's childcare landscape, strengthening provider sustainability, expanding high-quality provision and helping ensure children and families can access the services they need to thrive.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:
Level 6 Qualification in Early Years or a similar related field, or significant experience in a related field.
Early Years/relevant experience and progression in previous role
A good knowledge and understanding of Early Years Funded Early Education Entitlements and Statutory Guidance, including Safeguarding responsibilities.
Understanding of the impact that additional needs/deprivation/ disadvantage has on the early years and school-age childcare sectors
Understanding of sufficiency and market management
Evidence of building professional relationships with providers and communities working in a multi-disciplinary approach
Ability to lead on work with a range of internal and external partners including education/health/social care
The ability to lead on projects and achieve outcomes within a set timescale
Experience in supporting and delivering training presentations
A full driving licence and a vehicle you are able and willing to use to travel around the county To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 5 questions:
What do you think will be the key priorities/challenges within the first 6 months of the role?
What motivated you to apply for this role and what knowledge, skills and experience do you bring?
Give an example of a time when you worked with a range of partners - such as schools, early years providers, health, social care, or community organisations - to achieve a shared outcome for children and families. What was your role, and how did you build effective and productive relationships?
Describe the types of data you have used in your current or previous roles (for example: sufficiency data, demographic trends, financial information or quality indicators). How did you analyse this data, and how did your analysis influence your decision making‑ or improve outcomes for children and families?
Please confirm whether you are interested in the position advertised in the East, West or Both.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25th October 2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Organisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs
Salary description
£48696.00 - £52864.00 per year