Strategic Policy Lead, Early Years

Westfield Secondary School; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Secondary School is seeking an organised Planning & Strategy Officer to support funded early learning in Sheffield. You will lead the review and maintenance of the Funded Early Learning Code of Practice, monitor policy changes, and coordinate notices of concern with clear records and follow-up actions.

You will oversee Early Years enquiries, analyze trends, and provide policy briefings and guidance to managers, providers and partners.

Qualifications

• Experience of policy, strategy, service planning or quality assurance in a complex organisation.
• Ability to interpret legislation and guidance and turn complex information into practical advice.
• Knowledge of early years services, funded early learning or local authority responsibilities would be a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, development and ongoing maintenance of the Funded Early Learning Code of Practice.
• Monitor national policy, legislation and statutory guidance, translating changes into local policy and practice.
• Coordinate and service Notice of Concern meetings, including preparing information, recording decisions and tracking actions.
• Support the effective management of Early Years enquiries, ensuring responses are accurate, timely and customer focused.
• Analyse enquiries, concerns and performance information to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide clear policy advice, briefings, reports and guidance for managers, colleagues, providers and other stakeholders.
• Build effective relationships across the Council and with early years providers and partner organisations.
• Contribute to wider Early Years planning, quality assurance and service improvement activity.

Skills

Policy experience

Strategy development

Service planning

Quality assurance

Analytical skills

Stakeholder liaison

Written communication

Job description

Westfield Secondary School is seeking an organised Planning & Strategy Officer to support funded early learning in Sheffield. You will lead the review and maintenance of the Funded Early Learning Code of Practice, monitor policy changes, and coordinate notices of concern with clear records and follow-up actions.

You will oversee Early Years enquiries, analyze trends, and provide policy briefings and guidance to managers, providers and partners.