Early Years Safeguarding Advisor

Trafford Council; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Hybrid working

Job summary

Trafford Council is seeking an experienced Early Years Safeguarding Advisor to strengthen safeguarding practice across the early years sector. You will advise, train and audit providers, coordinating with partner agencies to drive continuous improvement in safeguarding outcomes for children.

The role requires Level 5+ Early Years qualifications, strong safeguarding experience, and the ability to deliver impactful training and engage with Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Qualifications

• Level 5+ Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Significant experience in early years or children's services with a safeguarding focus.
• Experience delivering safeguarding training and supporting Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse practice and influence improvement.
• Ability to work effectively with providers and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen safeguarding practice across the early years sector.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice, challenge, support and training to childcare and early education providers.
• Lead safeguarding audits and quality assurance activities.
• Support professional networks and collaborative working with partner agencies.
• Drive continuous improvement in safeguarding across Trafford.

Skills

Safeguarding

Training delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Early Years Level 5+

Job description

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Working Pattern: Part time

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Interview Date/Type: 2nd December 2026 / In person

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional to join Trafford's Early Years Quality Team as an Early Years Safeguarding Advisor. You will play a key role in strengthening safeguarding practice across the early years sector, providing expert advice, challenge, support and training to childcare and early education providers. Working closely with partner agencies, you will help ensure children are safe, valued and heard, whilst driving continuous improvement through safeguarding audits, quality assurance activity, professional networks and training and collaborative working across Trafford.

About You

You will hold a relevant Early Years qualification at Level 5 or above and have significant experience within early years or children's services, with a strong safeguarding focus. You will have experience delivering safeguarding training and supporting Designated Safeguarding Leads, alongside a sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and early years practice. Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to analyse practice, influence improvement and work effectively with providers, colleagues and partner agencies.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

• An enhanced DBS check, including Children's and Adults' Barred List checks, is required for this post.
• The role requires regular travel to early years settings and partner venues across Trafford.
• Occasional evening and flexible working will be required to support safeguarding training, network meetings and partnership activity.
• This is a hybrid working role, based at Sale Waterside with opportunities for home working in line with service requirements.
• Successful candidates will be expected to uphold Trafford Council's EPIC values and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, Denise Hulme at [e-mail].

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

• Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Make an Impact. Apply Today.

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.

We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]