Early Years Consultant

Do you have recent demonstrable experience of enhancing pupil achievement and improving the outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)? Are you an excellent EYFS practitioner keen to be part of the bigger picture and support others? If you are a strong leader with a proven track record of delivering quality provision for young children, then this could be the role for you.

The Early Years Team is looking to expand capacity in supporting schools and settings and have two vacancies for Early Years Consultants on our team. Each EY consultant will cover a geographical area within East Sussex and will be based in either St Mary’s House, Eastbourne or Cavendish House, Hastings. The Early Years Team within the Education Division provide leadership, support, training and challenge to reception teachers in schools and all Ofsted registered pre-school settings. We are committed to raising standards of achievement and improving the quality of education for all learners.

As an Early Years Consultant you will:

• work closely with primary schools and pre-schools by offering support guidance and challenge to headteachers, teachers, pre-school managers and early years practitioners
• contribute to the planning and delivery of training
• support with managing the officer team working in pre-schools
• provide support and strategic vision to the EYFS hubs
• carry out EYFS moderation, supporting with moderation visits and interpreting and analysing EYFS data.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have QTS and very recent experience working in EYFS in school
• Can demonstrate evidence of high-quality provision and strong outcomes
• Can communicate effectively with a range of people
• Have a good understanding of quality provision and can support and challenge appropriately

  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 Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

  For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

  Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes in the week commencing 09 February 2026.

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

  With the government agenda currently spotlighting Early Years this is a unique opportunity to support in affirming the importance of early education and demonstrating how vital this is in ensuring that young children get the best start in life.

  We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion please contact Rowena Dumbrell 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.