Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional individual to take on the strategic role of Interim Head of Early Learning and Childcare for a temporary period of 18 months, leading the development, delivery and continuous improvement of ELC services across the city.

As part of Scotland’s largest local authority, Glasgow City Council’s Education Services delivers high-quality learning and childcare to nearly 80,000 children and young people. The Council is the largest provider and commissioner of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in Scotland, supporting approximately 15,000 children with a budget of £140 million.

The Role

As a key member of the Education Directorate, you will operate at a strategic level, providing leadership and direction across Glasgow’s ELC landscape. You will be responsible for over 2,000 staff and 109 city establishments, alongside oversight of a wide commissioned network including funded nursery providers, school-age childcare services and registered childminders.

You will lead the development and delivery of high-quality ELC provision, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements while improving outcomes for children. This includes managing significant budgets and resources, leading policy development and service reform aligned to Council priorities and maintaining strong partnerships with national bodies.

About You

You will be an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of delivering improvement in complex education environments. You will bring strategic leadership capability, strong knowledge of Early Years education policy and partnership working, and the ability to influence effectively within politically sensitive contexts.

As a confident communicator, you will be committed to improving outcomes for children and families and experienced in leading change, managing risk and overseeing large-scale services and resources.

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline and committed to continuous professional development.

Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme will be required.

This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

These posts are excepted under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2013 (as amended).

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Early Learning and Childcare in Glasgow, working at the heart of a forward-looking leadership team to deliver meaningful impact for children, families and communities across the city.

Closing Date: 21 June 2026

Assessment Centre: Week commencing 29 June 2026

Interviews: Week Commencing 06 July 2026

Application Packs

We want everyone to be able to apply. If you need the Application Pack in another format, like Braille, large print, or another language, please call us on 0141 287 1054.

If we need to post it to you, we’ll send it by second-class mail within three working days. Please allow enough time to complete and return your application before the closing date. If you think you might need more time because of accessibility needs, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

There are also a number of Accessibility Tools compatible with the myjobscotland website which may assist you with your application. More information on these can be found at https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/accessibility-statement.

Further Information

Please note that Glasgow City Council is currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure which may impact on current salaries quoted in job adverts, see

Working for Us\Job Evaluation

For further information about working for us please refer to our website GCC HR Policies

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