Early Years and Early Years SEN Senior Lead

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. For school vacancies please see further details online regarding their application process.

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

37 hours per week

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working and travel will be an aspect of the role

Do you believe every child deserves the very best start in life, with access to high-quality early education and care that enables them to thrive whatever their circumstances?

Children’s Services on the Isle of Wight is committed to improving outcomes for babies, children, young people and families through strong leadership, inclusive practice and effective partnership working. We work collaboratively across education, health and care to ensure early intervention, high-quality provision and a system that responds to emerging need and delivers measurable impact.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Early Years Senior Lead to provide dynamic leadership across the Early Years sector. You will play a key role in driving the implementation of the Education Strategy, leading the monitoring and evaluation of EYFS provision, and ensuring sufficient, high-quality childcare places across the Island.

Working with internal teams and external partners, you will lead and develop services that support continuous improvement, strengthen inclusive practice and ensure statutory responsibilities are met included funding allocations. You will oversee Early Years advisory and SEND services, champion safeguarding, and drive forward initiatives that prioritise early intervention and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

You will bring strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across complex systems and partnerships. Through your work with schools, early years providers, families and multi-agency partners, you will help shape a coherent and sustainable system that supports children’s development, reduces inequalities and ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed.

You will need:

• Significant experience and expertise in Early Years and SEND, with a proven track record of improving outcomes.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage complex services and drive change.
• Experience of multi-agency working, partnership development and influencing at all levels.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to respond to emerging needs and deliver sustainable improvements.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and ensuring high-quality provision for all children.

Join a forward-thinking and dedicated team committed to ensuring every child on the Isle of Wight gets the best possible start in life.

In line with the Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CVs will not be considered for short-listing purposes.