Primary purpose of role - The post holder will be the strategic leader for key aspects of the LA’s statutory duties in relation to early years and childcare including: • improving the wellbeing of young children and reduce inequalities between them; • securing early childhood services that are provided in an integrated manner, improving outcomes for children under 5 and reducing inequalities; • securing information, advice and training to childcare providers (commissioning or direct delivery); • securing sufficiency across the mixed market model of early years funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds including wraparound care and produce an annual sufficiency assessment and action plan; • embedding best practice in line with statutory guidance including EYFS, Working Together and the SEND code of Practice; and, • responding to safeguarding allegations following policy acting as a conduit between Ofsted, the LADO and other agencies that may be involved in incidents within settings The post holder will be accountable for, and provide effective strategic leadership of, early years market development and management, childcare expansion and the wraparound sector development through local plans and strategies, delivered through working with a wide range of stakeholders so that outcomes are improved for children and families. Essential skills ▪ Ability to plan, manage and monitor the use of available financial, physical and human resources, aligning with strategic priorities and maximising opportunities for income and grant funding. ▪ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good negotiation, persuasion and organisational skills. ▪ Ability to demonstrate resilience and drive to meet the demands and pressures of the post including the ability to cope effectively at times of significant challenge. ▪ Ability to assimilate and analyse information quickly, identifying issues, priorities and solutions and using effective models, techniques, ICT and resources to resolve issues. ▪ An understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace and safeguarding and how to implement it in this area of work.