Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme Lead

About the Role

Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme Lead

London South EYSPH

Are you an experienced programme or project manager with a strong understanding of the early years sector? Do you enjoy bringing people together, coordinating complex programmes and ensuring high-quality delivery?

London South EYSPH is seeking to recruit an Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA)Programme Lead to oversee the delivery of the Department for Education's Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser programme across our hub area.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in strengthening early years provision by coordinating a programme that supports settings to improve practice and outcomes for young children. Working closely with Local Authorities, advisers, the Department for Education and delivery partners, you will ensure the programme is delivered efficiently, meets national quality standards and has maximum impact.

As the EYSPA Programme Lead, you will oversee programme delivery from recruitment and onboarding through to matching advisers with settings, monitoring progress, quality assurance, reporting and financial administration. You will establish effective systems and processes, coordinate with partners, maintain accurate records and ensure the programme operates in line with Department for Education expectations.

This role is ideal for someone with experience of managing programmes or projects involving multiple stakeholders, excellent organisational and communication skills, and a commitment to improving outcomes for children through high-quality early years practice.

What skills and experience we're looking for

  • Experience of coordinating programme/project delivery.
  • Good understanding of early years practice.
  • Experience working with multiple partners.
  • Experience managing data and reporting.
  • Strong organisation and coordination skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to analyse feedback.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage deadlines.

Desirable

  • Experience in an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub or similar programme.
  • Understanding of DfE‑funded programme requirements.
  • Experience managing grant claims.

What the school offers its staff

  • Opportunities for flexible working
  • Access to high quality CPD including National Professional Qualification

Further details about the role

This role is central to the successful delivery of the EYSPA programme, ensuring settings receive high‑quality, well‑coordinated support in line with DfE requirements and will be contracted through London South EYSPH.

  • 0.5 FTE
  • Up to £300 per day, inclusive of travel and associated costs, in line with DfE guidance.

The role maybe offered through:

  • secondment or release from an existing employer
  • day-rate arrangements/self-employed

We are looking for the successful candidate to start in September 2026 following appointment.

Funding is confirmed until March 2028 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension to March 2029, subject to future funding.

Please refer to the Expression of Interest information pack for full details of the role requirements, person specification and application process.

Closing date: Friday 28thAugust 2026 at 5pm

Shortlisting and notification of invite to interview: 1st September 2026

Interviews will be held: week beginning 1st September 2026

Further details about the role

How to apply

To apply, please complete the EOI form and email it to TCSET Recruitment at: recruitment@tcset.org.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Charter Schools Educational Trust is committed to equality and diversity, and to being a family where everyone can be themselves. We are committed to continuous improvement in how representative we are of our local communities, including gender, ethnicity, religion, age, and all other aspects of diversity.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, and staff networks to provide a supportive environment in the workplace where members can receive peer to peer support.

The Charter Schools Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment.

Job Title
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme Lead
Start Date
January 1, 2027
As soon as possible
Department
Early Years
Pay Scale
£300 per day
Contract type
Fixed Term
Working Pattern
0.5 FTE
Closing date for applications
August 28, 2026

Organisation Information