About The Job
- 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
To be successful, you should have:
- Experience of leading or contributing to market analysis and sufficiency planning within a public sector, education, childcare or commissioning environment.
- Experience supporting business sustainability, including financial modelling, development planning and, where relevant, grant compliance.
- Proven experience of collaborative working across a diverse range of providers and partner agencies.
- Experience of project management, including planning, risk and issue management, milestone tracking and delivery against defined outcomes.
- Strong organisational, planning and coordination skills and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- High level of financial literacy, with understanding of pricing models, break‑even analysis and scenario planning.
- Strong partnership working and influencing skills.
- Ability to work on own initiative, manage competing priorities and recognise safeguarding concerns.
- Sound understanding of current childcare policy, legislation and statutory requirements.
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, and attend occasional evening meetings such as provider forums and governance sessions.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
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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