Early Years and Childcare Advisor Full Time

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, Community based work
• Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term Maternity Cover for up to 1 year

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference the communities we serve and the careers of our people.

That’s why, when you join us as an Early Years and Childcare Advisor, you will enjoy a dynamic work environment where your ideas are valued, your potential is nurtured, and your work makes a tangible difference. Ready to reimagine what your career could be.

Your Role And Responsibilities

This challenging and varied role holds responsibilities across a wide range of disciplines including Early Years Inclusion, Early Education Funding, the Early Years Foundation Stage, Childcare Business Development and Sufficiency and direct support to providers to help them improve their Ofsted judgements.

You will:

• Provide support and challenge to early years professionals working in the private, voluntary, independent and maintained sectors.
• Work directly with vulnerable children and their families (including those with special educational needs and disabilities).
• Develop quality early education places for children aged 9 months to four years and wraparound places for school aged children.

You will need:

• A degree and either QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), EYP (Early Years Professional status) or EYT (Early Years Teacher status) is essential.
• Recent Early Years practice experience or experience in an Early Years advisory role.
• A sound understanding of the early years and childcare sector, with a detailed knowledge of relevant policy and practice.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be working within the Early Years and Childcare Service. The role of the service is critical in supporting early years providers to deliver flexible and high-quality care to all children.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Liz Pitts (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact them by either calling 01449 742868 or emailing liz.pitts@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How To Apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) .

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word) .

• Please describe your experience of working within the early years and childcare sector.

In your answer, explain how you have supported quality improvement in early years provision and demonstrate your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and relevant early education policy.

• Please provide an example of a time when you offered both support and challenge to an early years provider or setting. Describe the situation, the actions you took and the outcome.
• Please describe your experience of working with vulnerable children and families, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In your response, explain how you identified needs and supported positive outcomes for the child.
• Please confirm whether you hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Early Years Professional status (EYP) or Early Years Teacher status (EYT)

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page .

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing  recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages . If you’re invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 27 April 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .