All about the role of ... Early years consultant

To fulfil this requirement, local authorities employ early years consultancy teams which may comprise a lead early years consultant (EYC) with countywide responsibility, a number of EYCs, a childcare co-ordinator, a childminder co-ordinator, an early years inclusion co-ordinator and a business support officer. Depending on size, a region may be divided into smaller areas, each of which has one or more dedicated EYCs who work under the lead EYC.

The role of the EYC is to support the successful implementation of the EYFS and to enable the implementation of the Quality Improvement Programme - a plan for focused activity to drive up standards. The EYC provides effective support to leaders, managers and practitioners in all types of early years provision including schools, children's centres, private, voluntary and independent settings and to childminders. The EYC ensures that the essential characteristics of high-quality provision are in place with regard to workforce practice, the settings and the home learning environment. Duties include: monitoring quality and evaluating progress made in relation to Ofsted inspections; identifying and promoting the training and professional development needs of practitioners; providing professional advice and written reports to the team; and, providing individual support plans for leaders or practitioners with agreed timescales and outcomes. They may also initiate buddying or mentoring schemes.