Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Officer

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Job Reference SCC/TP/287946/6039

Apply for this job Number of Positions: 2 Contract Type: Permanent Contract Details: N/A Salary: £42,958 per annum Working Hours: 36 hours per week Location: Surreywide Closing Date: 25/10/2026 Job Category: Commissioning & Prevention Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning Service: CFL - Commissioning

Job Introduction

This permanent role has a starting salary of £42,958 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring two Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Officers to join our fantastic Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team. 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.

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 for an Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Officer might involve discussing strategies with new or existing providers support them in marketing their provision, offering advice and guidance on business planning, or supporting the opening of a new childcare setting in the local area. You will use your problem-solving skills to help providers navigate recruitment challenges, consider adaptations to their operating model, and review financial information to support long-term sustainability.