37 hours per week
This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working and travel will be an aspect of the role
Do you believe every child deserves the very best start in life, with access to high-quality early education and care that enables them to thrive whatever their circumstances?
Children’s Services on the Isle of Wight is committed to improving outcomes for babies, children, young people and families through strong leadership, inclusive practice and effective partnership working. We work collaboratively across education, health and care to ensure early intervention, high-quality provision and a system that responds to emerging need and delivers measurable impact.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Early Years Senior Lead to provide dynamic leadership across the Early Years sector. You will play a key role in driving the implementation of the Education Strategy, leading the monitoring and evaluation of EYFS provision, and ensuring sufficient, high-quality childcare places across the Island.
Working with internal teams and external partners, you will lead and develop services that support continuous improvement, strengthen inclusive practice and ensure statutory responsibilities are met included funding allocations. You will oversee Early Years advisory and SEND services, champion safeguarding, and drive forward initiatives that prioritise early intervention and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
You will bring strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across complex systems and partnerships. Through your work with schools, early years providers, families and multi-agency partners, you will help shape a coherent and sustainable system that supports children’s development, reduces inequalities and ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed.
You will need:
- Significant experience and expertise in Early Years and SEND, with a proven track record of improving outcomes.
- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage complex services and drive change.
- Experience of multi-agency working, partnership development and influencing at all levels.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to respond to emerging needs and deliver sustainable improvements.
- A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and ensuring high-quality provision for all children.
Join a forward-thinking and dedicated team committed to ensuring every child on the Isle of Wight gets the best possible start in life.
In line with the Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CVs will not be considered for short-listing purposes.
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Beth Dyer at [email protected]
Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:
- Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
- Local Government pension scheme
- Discounted Solent ferry travel
- Island bus network discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff parking permit scheme
- Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
- National and local discounts & benefits schemes
- Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
- Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
To discover more about our careers please visit Jobs and careers - Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.
We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.
We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.
The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;
unacceptable behaviour policy
employee code of conduct
The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.
The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.
Please note, appointment to a regulated role will require you to provide additional personal details, including full employment history, referee information, and consent for any required safeguarding checks, as part of the Council’s commitment to safer recruitment and compliance with regulatory requirements.
This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email [email protected]. Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.
We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.
