Early Years Sector Support Assistant
Job Purpose:
To assist with the delivery of funded early education and childcare places, through producing round and secure information in respect of childcare sufficiency and other data, and providing advice and guidance to childcare providers.
Main Duties:
The following is typical of the duties the post holder will be expected to perform. It is not necessarily exhaustive and other duties of a similar nature and level may be required from time to time.
1. To maintain robust data and recording systems, support with collation and preparation of funded early years payments in accordance with the Council’s financial processes and regulations and to produce and present statistical analysis.
2. To support the production of printed and online information for schools, early education and childcare providers, parents/carers, children and young people to explain eligibility and funded early education places.
3. To provide information and guidance as required utilizing DIE and local authority policy and procedures as necessary to ensure compliance.
4. To process and account for payments in respect of Child Care and Early Education funding in accordance with the Council’s Financial Policy and Practice.
5. To maintain positive working relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and specifically education professionals both in and out of the authority including schools and early education and childcare providers.
6. To maintain a good understanding pf current legislation and statutory procedures around early education, childcare, funding, qualifications, training and safeguarding children.
7. To clearly explain education related information to a range of professionals. particularly around early years funded places and eligibility criteria, and provide advice, guidance and interpretation of internal and external policies.
8. To liaise with, support and challenge Early Years Sector Support officers and senior management teams in schools and early education and childcare settings including childminders regarding the provision of child specific information.
9. To promote and implement the Council’s Equality policy in all aspects of employment and service delivery.
The candidates must have:
• Knowledge of early years and childcare sector
• Experience of giving support and guidance to professionals
• Experience of working with public to access services
• Ability and experience of working in partnership with other organisations and professionals
• Ability to record, use and manipulate data using excel and access
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding policy and procedures
• Ability to use systems and procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good customer service skills and dealing with enquiries
• Ability to problem solve and work in a solution focused way
- Experience of taking part in formal meetings
• Experience of early years and childcare sector - Ability to give good quality guidance
• Ability to work accurately
• Ability manipulate excel spreadsheets
• Ability to work independently within a framework • Commitment to equality for service delivery
• Ability to prioritise workload - Suitability to work with client group (Basic check)
Admin experience and ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook etc A knowledge or experience of EarlyYears, Education or Children and Family services would be a bonus, but not essential The work will be mainly home based, but in the office perhaps two days a week. end date of 31/01/2025, but this is likely to be extended until February.