Sector Support and Development Consultant

Job Introduction

Job Title: Sector Support and Development Consultant (3 year fixed term contract)
Salary: £36,581 - £40,440
Location: Lincoln with travel around Lincolnshire
Closing Date: 4th October 2026

Interviews: 23rd October 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Sector Support and Development Consultant to join our Early Years and Childcare Support Team on a three year fixed term contract.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

The government’s Plan for Change places children at the heart of its priorities, with the ambition that a record proportion of children start school ready to learn by 2028. This ambition, set out in Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life (July 2025), underpins our work across Lincolnshire.

As a Sector Support and Development Consultant, you will work directly with early years and childcare providers across Lincolnshire to support the effective and safe delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). 

You will play a key role in helping settings meet the statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements set out in Section 3 of the EYFS, supporting the creation of high‑quality, welcoming and safe environments for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Support early years and childcare settings to meet statutory requirements, with a particular focus on safeguarding and child protection
• Promote a strong culture of vigilance to help keep children safe
• Support settings to navigate and understand the Early Years Ofsted Inspection Toolkit
• Deliver training to providers across the sector
• Complete audits, quality reviews and improvement work with early years settings and out‑of‑school settings
• Work collaboratively with the Early Years and Childcare Support Team, Family Help Consultants and other partner professionals
• Build positive, trusting relationships within the early years and childcare sector to support a sector‑led improvement model
• Contribute to improved educational outcomes for young children across Lincolnshire

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a motivated and knowledgeable professional who can demonstrate:

• A degree, or equivalent experience and capability to work at degree level
• A current and relevant Level 3 (or above) childcare qualification, together with experience of leading and managing teams
• Extensive knowledge of the 0 to 11 age range, including current childcare legislation, child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the Childcare Register
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
• A strong understanding of the Early Years Ofsted Inspection Toolkit
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities and respond effectively to a fast-paced environment
• Confidence in delivering training, providing professional support and challenge, and building positive relationships with a range of childcare providers
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of their application within childcare, education and service delivery settings
• The ability to work effectively in situations of ambiguity and change
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families through partnership working
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as regular travel across Lincolnshire is required

Our Offer

At Lincolnshire County Council, we are committed to supporting our workforce. In return, we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for continued professional development
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children, families and communities across Lincolnshire

Please note: Applicants who have submitted an application for this role within the last four months are not eligible to reapply at this time.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Katherine Gilliatt via email Katherine.Gilliatt@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. 

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.