Sector Support and Development Consultant


Company:	Lincolnshire County Council
Salary:	£36,581 to £40,440 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Lincoln, LN1 1YL
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 1 day remote
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	11 Sept 2026
Closing date:	4 Oct 2026

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Summary

Job Title: Sector Support and Development Consultant (3 year fixed term contract)

Salary: £36,581 - £40,440

Location: Lincoln with travel around Lincolnshire

Closing Date: 4th October 2026

Interviews: 23rd October 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Sector Support and Development Consultant to join our Early Years and Childcare Support Team on a three year fixed term contract.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

The government’s Plan for Change places children at the heart of its priorities, with the ambition that a record proportion of children start school ready to learn by 2028. This ambition, set out in Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life (July 2025), underpins our work across Lincolnshire.

As a Sector Support and Development Consultant, you will work directly with early years and childcare providers across Lincolnshire to support the effective and safe delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

You will play a key role in helping settings meet the statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements set out in Section 3 of the EYFS, supporting the creation of high‑quality, welcoming and safe environments for children.

Key Responsibilities

Support early years and childcare settings to meet statutory requirements, with a particular focus on safeguarding and child protection

Promote a strong culture of vigilance to help keep children safe

Support settings to navigate and understand the Early Years Ofsted Inspection Toolkit

Deliver training to providers across the sector

Complete audits, quality reviews and improvement work with early years settings and out‑of‑school settings

Work collaboratively with the Early Years and Childcare Support Team, Family Help Consultants and other partner professionals

Build positive, trusting relationships within the early years and childcare sector to support a sector‑led improvement model

Contribute to improved educational outcomes for young children across Lincolnshire

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a motivated and knowledgeable professional who can demonstrate:

A degree, or equivalent experience and capability to work at degree level

A current and relevant Level 3 (or above) childcare qualification, together with experience of leading and managing teams

Extensive knowledge of the 0 to 11 age range, including current childcare legislation, child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the Childcare Register

A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

A strong understanding of the Early Years Ofsted Inspection Toolkit

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities and respond effectively to a fast-paced environment

Confidence in delivering training, providing professional support and challenge, and building positive relationships with a range of childcare providers

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of their application within childcare, education and service delivery settings

The ability to work effectively in situations of ambiguity and change

A collaborative approach and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families through partnership working

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as regular travel across Lincolnshire is required

Our Offer

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