Principal Early Years Officer - FLK13545

Falkirk Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is seeking a Principal Early Years Officer to oversee the Camelon Early Learning and Childcare Centre. The candidate will manage daily operations and work with children under 5, ensuring high-quality childcare. Essential qualifications include a BA in Childhood Practice or an equivalent. Strong leadership experience, knowledge of child protection, and the ability to support children with additional needs are crucial for this role. The position requires a commitment to strategic leadership and partnership with parents and other educational establishments.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in working with children under 5 years in an early learning setting.
• Sound knowledge of play pedagogy and recent relevant experience of child development.
• In-depth knowledge of GIRFEC, child protection, and support for additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Support management of Camelon ELC Centre and contribute to strategic leadership.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality early learning and childcare provision.
• Work with Head of Centre and parents to drive ambitious vision.

Skills

Leadership experience in early childhood education

Knowledge of child development

Understanding of play pedagogy

Child protection knowledge

Experience with additional support needs

Education

BA in Childhood Practice or equivalent

Job description

Job Advert

Principal Early Years Officer

Camelon Early Learning and Childcare Centre

CS1125

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Early Years Officer (PEYO) to support management of Camelon ELC Centre and contribute to the strategic leadership and direction of the setting.

It is essential that you have extensive leadership and practical experience of working with children under 5 years of age in an early learning and childcare setting. As PEYO you will work in collaboration with the Head of Centre and senior leaders in overseeing the delivery of the highest quality early learning and childcare provision with the aim of securing the best possible outcomes for every child who attends.

You should be confident in all matters relating to the management of an ELC provision. You should have a sound knowledge of play pedagogy and recent and relevant experience of child development. The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge of GIRFEC, child protection and supporting children with additional support needs.

Working in partnership with parents and educational establishments across Falkirk Council, the PEYO will work under the direction of the Head of Centre to drive our ambitious vision forward and demonstrate energy and enthusiasm in all aspects of practice. A strong commitment to taking forward and implementing both corporate and regulatory initiatives is crucial to the role.

You will be required to hold BA in Childhood Practice, or other relevant child care qualification equivalent to SCQF level 9 (or be working towards this qualification). Successful applicants for posts working with children or vulnerable adults will be subject to disclosure checks or the new PVG scheme.

You will work 37 hours per week on a full year basis. Please note the ELC Centre is open 8am to 6pm and you must be available to work a shift pattern during these hours.

Candidates who are successful in being processed for interview will be invited to visit Camelon ELC Centre prior to interview. Interviews will take place in January 2026.