Early Years Consultant

Description:

Connect2Hackney, the internal talent acquisition team for the London Borough of Hackney, are seeking a dedicated and experienced Early Years Consultant to join Hackney Education within the Children and Education Directorate.

In this pivotal role, you will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of advisers, inclusion coordinators, and childcare specialists to raise standards across maintained, private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) settings and schools. Using your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) expertise, you will provide high-quality advice, challenge, and coaching to early years practitioners and leaders, driving strategies that narrow attainment gaps and improve outcomes for every child in Hackney.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Curriculum Coaching: Provide QTS-level input and advice on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Coach managers and practitioners through live session observations, high-quality teaching demonstrations, and curriculum planning support.
Setting Support & Performance Monitoring: Support self-review processes, analyse data, and monitor EYFS quality standards. Identify settings requiring additional guidance, co-design post-Ofsted Focused Improvement Plans, and assist providers in preparing for Ofsted inspections and early years funding registrations.
Training & Capacity Building: Identify sector training needs, design and deliver CPD opportunities to meet statutory EYFS requirements, and evaluate the impact of training on service delivery.
Strategic Alignment & Transition: Support the delivery of Hackney's Early Years Action Plan and Local Authority service priorities. Foster smooth transitions and strong partnership working between schools, childminder networks, children's centres, and parents.
Resource & Team Leadership: Manage assigned budgets effectively, contribute to forward planning and performance management, and build collaborative partnerships locally and regionally to share best practice.

About You (Person Specification)

We are looking for an inspiring educational specialist who demonstrates strong self-awareness, resilience, and credibility.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent).
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.
A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable.

Experience:
At least 4 years of successful teaching experience, including within the Foundation Stage.
Proven track record in observing, evaluating, and delivering constructive feedback to colleagues.
Strong experience working with pre-school education providers and delivering cross-school teacher support and training.

Knowledge & Skills:
Comprehensive understanding of the EYFS framework, current government legislation, and early years issues affecting local authorities and PVI sectors.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across multi-agency teams, school leaders, and parents.
Strong organisational and project management skills with a drive to embed a culture of continuous improvement.
An unwavering commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Hackney Education?

Working within Hackney Education means joining a passionate, forward-thinking service that places children at the heart of everything we do. You will work in a supportive, creative environment that values your professional growth and gives you the platform to make a genuine difference to young learners across the borough.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy