Early Years Lead

Baltimore Consulting; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking an experienced Early Years Lead for an initial 6-month contract in London. This pivotal role involves overseeing the distribution of early years funding and supporting providers to ensure high-quality outcomes for children and families. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of the DfE Early Years Entitlements, proven experience with the Synergy system, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a daily rate of £400-410 and is fully remote.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of DfE's Early Years Entitlements and funding mechanisms.
• Strong partnership working skills with a collaborative approach.
• Proven experience of using the Synergy system effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee distribution of DfE Early Years Entitlements to registered providers.
• Manage funding allocations ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Provide leadership and support to a small team.

Skills

Knowledge of DfE Early Years Entitlements

Strong partnership working skills

Experience with Synergy system

Collaborative approach

Proactive and responsive

Job description

Early Years Lead – Interim

Initial 6-month contract (from Jan 2026)

London Based Local Authority

£400-410 p/day Inside IR35 (via Umbrella)

Fully remote

We are seeking an experienced Early Years Lead to join a busy London Local Authority, this is a pivotal role within the Local Authority, ensuring the effective management of Early Years funding streams and supporting providers to deliver high-quality outcomes for children and families.

Your Role as the Early Years Lead

• Oversee the distribution of DfE Early Years Entitlements to registered providers.
• Review and manage funding allocations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Provide leadership and support to a small team, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment.
• Utilise the Synergy system to manage funding processes and optimise efficiency.
• Work proactively to meet deadlines and respond to emerging priorities.
• Build strong partnerships with providers, stakeholders, and colleagues across the Local Authority.
• Identify outdated ways of working and implement improvements quickly.
• Ability to identify outdated ways of working and implement improvements quickly.

Your experience as an Early Years Lead

• In-depth knowledge of the DfE’s Early Years Entitlements and funding mechanisms.
• Comprehensive operational knowledge of Early Years services, with insight into best practice from other Local Authorities.
• Experience of optimising systems and processes to enhance service delivery.
• Strong partnership working skills, with a collaborative and solution-focused approach.
• Proven experience of using the Synergy system effectively.Ability to lead, support, and manage a small team.
• Responsive, proactive, and able to deliver against tight deadlines.
• Experience of optimising systems and processes to enhance service delivery.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this might be of interest to, please contact Lucy Connick on 0117 313 7110. (We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in touch.)

Our clients are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the application and hiring process.