Job Description

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

At Southend-on-Sea City Council, we are committed to giving every child the Best Start for Life. Our Best Start Family Hubs and Network sites play a vital role in supporting babies, young children and families across the city, creating welcoming spaces where children can thrive, parents feel supported, and communities grow stronger together.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and nurturing Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our Best Start family Hub team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead high-quality early years provision and staff, support families at the heart of their communities, and make a lasting difference to children's development during their most important years. This contract is offered on a part time (20 hours) and fixed term contract basis (until March 2029).

As a Senior Early Years Practitioner, you will lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of engaging early years sessions that promote children's learning, development and wellbeing. Working within our family hubs, you will create safe, stimulating and inclusive environments where children aged birth to five can flourish and families feel welcomed and valued. You will support parents and carers to understand and meet their children's developmental needs, providing practical advice, guidance and opportunities that encourage learning at home and in the community. A key part of the role will involve promoting positive parent-child interactions and helping families access the wider support services available across Southend and lead and manage two Early Years practitioners and a dedicated receptionist.

You will lead by example, modelling outstanding early years practice and ensuring that activities are delivered in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. You will also support children with additional needs, ensuring that all children, including those with SEND, can participate fully and achieve their potential.

As a senior member of the team, you will provide line management and support to Early Years Practitioners, including induction, supervision and performance development. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, high standards and collaborative working across Family Centre services and partner organisations.

This role requires flexibility to travel and work across Southend Best Start family Hubs and Network sites and other community-based delivery locations.

Evening and weekend working will be required to meet the needs of the service, therefore flexibility will be essential.

Please be aware that the advertised salary be pro rata to 20 hours.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will possess a strong understanding of child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage and safeguarding responsibilities. Experience of delivering early learning and play programmes, working directly with families, and supporting vulnerable children and parents is essential.

It is crucial that you are able to build positive relationships with children, families and professionals alike. You will be a confident communicator with excellent organisational skills and the ability to inspire colleagues through supportive leadership and professional expertise.

Previous line management or supervisory experience, an understanding of community-based family support services, and a commitment to inclusive practice will be highly desirable.

You must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years Education or an equivalent childcare qualification and have substantial experience working with children from birth to five years.

A full and clean driving license will be essential as well as access to own car.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.