About the job
Salary:
Hours per week:
Contract type: Fixed Term until March 2027
The Childcare Provision Officer plays a key role in developing, leading and managing the local delivery of school-age childcare across the borough. The postholder will oversee the implementation of national programmes, including Wraparound Childcare, Breakfast Clubs and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, working collaboratively with schools, private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers, and childminders to increase the availability, accessibility and quality of provision.
Working closely with parents and carers, the role will gather intelligence on childcare needs, preferences and barriers to access, using this information to identify gaps in provision and support effective childcare sufficiency planning. The postholder will work with providers to respond to the findings of childcare sufficiency assessments and ensure that local provision meets the needs of children and families.
The role involves maintaining robust supply and demand data, undertaking gap analyses and contributing to the production of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA), ensuring that clear actions are identified to address areas of need. The successful candidate will provide practical advice and support to new and existing childcare providers on sustainability, including occupancy levels, staffing ratios, financial planning, cost management and service development.
The Childcare Provision Officer will also support the administration of strategic childcare partnerships and boards, prepare reports and performance information, and contribute to the submission of accurate Department for Education returns, ensuring that evidence and records are maintained to the required standard.
A key aspect of the role is championing inclusive childcare provision, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The postholder will work with providers to identify and overcome barriers to participation, promote reasonable adjustments and support the development of financially sustainable and accessible childcare places that meet the diverse needs of local families.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
The successful candidate will demonstrate experience of leading or contributing to market analysis and sufficiency planning within a public sector, education, childcare or commissioning environment. This includes mapping supply and demand, undertaking forecasting and reporting activity, and translating insight into practical delivery actions that improve service outcomes.
They will have experience of supporting business sustainability, including financial modelling, development planning and, where relevant, grant compliance and assurance processes. This will include working with providers to strengthen financial viability and support informed decision-making.
The role requires proven experience of collaborative working across a diverse range of providers and partner agencies, including schools, private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings, and childminders. The postholder will also demonstrate experience of project management, including planning, risk and issue management, milestone tracking and delivery against defined outcomes.
Strong organisational, planning and coordination skills are essential, alongside excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences. The postholder will be highly competent in working with data, with advanced Excel or business intelligence skills to clean, analyse and visualise sufficiency and performance data, and to produce clear, actionable recommendations.
A high level of financial literacy is required, including understanding of pricing models, break-even analysis and scenario planning, alongside the ability to provide constructive challenge and coaching to providers to support sustainability and service improvement. The role also requires strong partnership working and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with schools, PVIs, childminders, internal teams and elected members.
The postholder will be able to work on their own initiative, manage competing priorities and plan their own workload effectively. They will demonstrate the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns in line with relevant policies and procedures, and to identify and address instances of discrimination in service delivery or the workplace.
A sound understanding of current childcare policy, legislation and statutory requirements is essential, along with knowledge of schools and early years providers, including their structures, systems and operating contexts.
Applicants will hold a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in education, early years, business, economics, commissioning or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent substantial professional experience. GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade A*–C (or equivalent) are also required, alongside evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.
The role requires the ability to travel to sites across Luton as needed, adjust working hours on occasion to meet service requirements, communicate effectively with members of the public in fluent spoken English, and attend occasional evening meetings such as provider forums and governance sessions.
Benefits
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 19.2 per cent (at April 2026) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
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