Job Description

Do you want to help raise outcomes for children across the Early Years Foundation Stage? An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as part of our Early Years Team. As an Early Years Officer you will play a part in improving provision at a time of national change.


Early Years Officers provide support and challenge to leaders, managers, and all Early Years Practitioners in all Ofsted registered pre-school and nursery provision, Childminders, Nurseries in schools, and Ofsted registered out of school and holiday provision. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of training, and provide support and strategic vision to EYFS hubs.


We are looking for candidates who:


are strong leaders with a proven track record of delivering quality in early years provision are an excellent EYFS practitioner has recent experience of working with children in the pre-school or nursery can show how to provide a stimulating environment for children has experience of improving outcomes for children has experience of safeguarding procedures and processes is keen to extend their skill and support others is a team player who can also work without supervision.
If you can answer 'yes' to these criteria we would like to hear from you.


This post is a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave from now until December 2026.


To apply for this role, please follow the 'Apply Now' button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.


Please download the and Person Specification for more information.


For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.


Interviews are scheduled for Monday 1st, Wednesday 3rd or Wednesday 10th December 2025 and will be in the form of a face-to-face interview, followed by a task. This will be in County Hall, Lewes. (If you are not able to make these dates please reference this in your application).


Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.


You will be working at County Hall; the Head Office for the County Council, based on the edge of Lewes Town Centre, which is within walking distance to the town and train station. County Hall is also on a bus route and car parking is available on site at a reduced rate for employees.


What can the Education Division offer you?


A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people with SEND. A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development. A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service. A team of motivated and committed peers. County Hall provides a cafe with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out.
More information on the diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment can be found on our benefits page.


For an informal discussion please contact Rowena Dumbrell on 07788 356418 or email rowena.dumbrell@eastsussex.gov.uk


For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!



Additional Information



This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.



Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.



If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas



If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.