SOSCN is a national charity dedicated to supporting the development of high-quality school age childcare (SACC) in Scotland who provide policy representation, practice support, training, research, and resources, to advance the School Age Child Care Sector growth and sustainability in Scotland.

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and committed Development and Support Officer to provide high-quality support to our members in a new role which will be split between direct support for members across Glasgow and developing our member services nationally. This is an exciting role where you will visit settings, attend meetings, and build and develop strong local relationships with a range of stakeholders.

With leadership-level experience and influence across settings, you will provide a wide range of support to SOSCN SACC members, including remote advice, direct setting support, Health Checks, follow-up improvement planning and peer support opportunities. Working closely with Glasgow City Council colleagues, SOSCN members, other stakeholders and partners you will help to strengthen quality, governance and leadership across the SACC sector

A key part of the role will include the development of SOSCN membership policies and resources, as well as supporting voluntary committees and recruitment activity where needed. You will also play an active role in partnership meetings with Glasgow City Council and other stakeholders.

Role Profile

The Development and Support Officer plays a key role in supporting the quality, sustainability, and development of School Age Childcare services. The role involves supporting services in the Glasgow City Council area for 21hrs per week, and nationally 14hrs per week. By working directly with settings, volunteers, and partner organisations, the postholder will strengthen practice, promote inclusion, and enhance outcomes for children and families, taking cognisance of UNCRC and GIRFEC Wellbeing indicators.

• Support for Voluntary Management Committees
  • Provide tailored guidance and capacity-building support to voluntary committees, helping them strengthen governance, identify training needs, and implement quality practices.
• Community Development in SACC
  • Encourage active parental involvement in early learning and support volunteers in developing transferable skills that contribute to lifelong learning and community engagement.
• Promoting Quality Play and Learning activities
  • Share accessible information and advice on child development, the value of play, and sector standards supported by relevant documentation.
• Collaborative Support for SACC Settings
  • Support settings to access with providing and accessing training, and development opportunities that respond to local needs and priorities.
• Operational Support and Representation
  • Contribute to local networks and initiatives, represent the organisation at meetings, and support service delivery through agreed tasks and reporting.
• Family Engagement Through Play
  • Facilitate inclusive play and learning sessions that promote positive early experiences and build relationships with families, in collaboration with local professionals.

Key Tasks

• Deliver universal and direct support to settings, both remotely and in-person, based on requests and identified needs.
• Conduct annual Health Check audits and visits for Glasgow SACC, analysing findings and developing individual action plans for settings, as well as facilitating follow-up meetings to support improvement.
• Organise and attend termly in-person meetings for all members.
• Share local and national information to support member settings.
• Work collaboratively with Glasgow City Council colleagues, as well as attending provider updates and forum meetings, quality improvement support and collaborative SOSCN and Glasgow City Council meetings.
• Support voluntary committee governance through advice, training and practical guidance, as well as assisting with recruitment activity including job adverts, interview questions and professional advice at interviews.
• Support the development of SOSCN membership policies and resources as directed.

Working Relationships and Development

The role involves regular communication with line management, collaboration with colleagues and external partners, and participation in planning, review, and team meetings. Professional development is supported in line with organisational priorities and available resources.

Establish effective relationships with children, staff, parents and carers and promote an ethos of mutual respect and collaborative working

Core Competencies

Knowledge and Understanding

• Includes familiarity with sector SACC framework governance, regulatory standards, and current initiatives relevant to SACC delivery.
• Competence in Quality Improvement Framework with an extensive knowledge of SACC requirements in order to support SACC settings to provide the best possible service to children and families.
• Promote UNCRC to support SACC settings to ensure this is in their service.
• Support SACC in the delivery of GIFEC and wellbeing indicators in their day to day planning.

Skills and Capabilities

• Strong partnership working, communication, IT proficiency, and the ability to assess needs, plan support, and monitor progress effectively.

Values and Personal Commitment

• Demonstrates professionalism, inclusion, confidentiality, and a commitment to continuous improvement, reflection, and respectful collaboration.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience of supporting SACC and/or Childcare settings.
• Knowledge of quality improvement, charity governance and the operational challenges facing SACC settings.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
• Ability to work while managing a caseload between Glasgow City Council and national SACC services.
• Experience of writing reports, action plans or support documentation.
• Experience of delivering training, facilitating groups or supporting peer network.

Please note, for this role a relevant professional qualification in childcare, community development or a related field is required, as well as a full driving licence and access to transport, and a qualification meeting the requirements for a practitioner in a day care of children service, as a minimum, to be considered for this post.

What SOSCN will offer

• Competitive salary
• 28 days annual leave plus 13 public holidays
• Generous employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
• Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
• A rewarding opportunity to support SACC members and strengthen all age childcare provision across Glasgow and Nationally.