Principal Officer, SCH Aged Childcare (Mat Cover)

• Directorate: Children's Services
• Pay Level: 7 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1,130 )
• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover 1 year)
• Working Hours: 37hours per week
• Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid(minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement: Enhanced

The closing date for applications ismidnight onFriday 23rd October 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 2nd November 2026

What you’ll be doing:

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and families? We are looking for an experienced and motivated professional to lead the development of high-quality, sustainable and inclusive school-aged childcare, wraparound provision and holiday programmes across Slough.

As the School Age Sufficiency & Market Development Principal Officer, you will play a key role in helping the Council meet its statutory duties for childcare sufficiency. Working closely with schools, childcare providers, voluntary organisations and community partners, you will support the growth and sustainability of childcare provision. You will manage the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme and help shape services that meet the needs of working families and children, including those with SEND.

You will provide expert advice on business sustainability, funding opportunities, workforce development and operational practice, while using market intelligence and sufficiency data to identify gaps in provision and develop innovative solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to influence local childcare services and make a lasting difference to children and families across Slough.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team:

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.

Right to Work and Checks:

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receivea number ofsuitable applications.

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