Foundation Years Advisory Officer – Oxfordshire County Council
Certificate of Sponsorship Available
Oxfordshire County Council is recruiting a Foundation Years Advisory Officer to join its Foundation Years Team and support the improvement of early years education and childcare across Oxfordshire.
The council states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
This is an 18-month fixed-term, full-time position paying £39,482 to £42,123 per year. The role is countywide and offers an opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional to work directly with childminders, nurseries, pre-schools, out-of-school childcare providers and schools with nursery provision.
Job Details
- Job title: Foundation Years Advisory Officer
- Employer: Oxfordshire County Council
- Salary: £39,482 – £42,123 per year
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 18 months
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Location: Countywide, Oxfordshire
- Postcode: OX1 1ND
- Date posted: 18 September 2026
- Closing date: 6 October 2026
- Reference: VP89A97AF7
- DBS check: Required
- Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications requiring current sponsorship are welcome
About the Role
The Foundation Years Advisory Officer will support and challenge Early Years providers to improve the quality of education and childcare for children from birth to five years.
You will work across Oxfordshire with a range of providers, including childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, out-of-school childcare providers and schools offering nursery provision.
The role involves using your knowledge of early childhood development and the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework to provide professional advice, guidance and support.
You will also help providers identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen their practice and develop high-quality learning environments for young children.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Visiting Early Years providers across Oxfordshire.
- Providing professional advice and constructive challenge to improve provision.
- Supporting providers to improve outcomes for children from birth to five.
- Developing resources, including online resources, for Early Years professionals.
- Delivering high-quality continuing professional development (CPD).
- Helping upskill and develop the Early Years workforce.
- Contributing to newsletters, briefings and professional networks.
- Supporting communications across the wider Early Years sector.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and childcare providers.
- Promoting continuous improvement and effective Early Years practice.
- Using your expertise to support innovation and quality improvement.
Requirements / Person Specification
The council is looking for a well-qualified and highly successful Early Years leader with relevant practical experience.
You should have experience as either:
- A childminder running your own successful business; or
- A manager within a nursery or pre-school setting.
Essential requirements include:
- Strong knowledge of how young children learn and develop.
- Good understanding of the statutory EYFS Framework.
- Experience of quality improvement within Early Years provision.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good ICT and digital skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work from home when required.
- Access to your own car.
Salary & Benefits
The salary for this position is £39,482 to £42,123 per year.
Oxfordshire County Council describes the role as rewarding, with the opportunity to have a direct impact on the quality of Early Years provision across the county.
Employees can also access a range of council benefits and support.
The council is open to discussions around flexible working arrangements where operational requirements allow.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time, 18-month fixed-term position.
The role is countywide, and applicants should be prepared to travel to Early Years providers across Oxfordshire.
The council states that applicants must have their own car and be able to work from home.
Flexible working arrangements may include:
- Flexi-time
- Part-time working
- Job sharing
- Nine-day fortnights
- Annualised hours
Availability will depend on the requirements of the role and service.
Visa / Right-to-Work
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications welcome.
Oxfordshire County Council specifically states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
Applicants requiring sponsorship should independently confirm that they meet all relevant UK immigration requirements and that the role remains eligible for sponsorship at the time of application.
The advert also contains additional requirements concerning criminal record certificates for certain overseas applicants.
DBS Check
The position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check because of the nature of the work and the council’s safeguarding responsibilities.
Oxfordshire County Council states that it is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Oxfordshire County Council states that it welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
The council also operates guaranteed interview schemes for eligible disabled applicants and certain care leavers who meet the essential criteria.
It supports people transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian employment and provides guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Application / Selection Process
Applicants should review the full job description and person specification before applying.
The council states that applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome to apply.
If you experience problems with the application system, the advert provides the following recruitment contact:
Gillian Frost – Oxfordshire County Council
Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
6 October 2026
Applicants should submit their application before the advertised deadline.
FAQs
Does this Foundation Years Advisory Officer job offer visa sponsorship?
Yes. The vacancy states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
What is the salary?
The salary is £39,482 to £42,123 per year.
Is the job full-time?
Yes. The position is full-time.
How long is the contract?
It is an 18-month fixed-term contract.
Where is the job based?
The role is countywide across Oxfordshire, with the listed employer location at OX1 1ND.
What experience is required?
The council is seeking experienced Early Years leaders, particularly candidates who have worked as a successful childminder running their own business or as a manager within a nursery or pre-school.
Is a DBS check required?
Yes. The vacancy is subject to a DBS check.
Do I need my own car?
Yes. The advert states that applicants should have their own car, as the role involves working with Early Years providers across Oxfordshire.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 6 October 2026.
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