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.
For an application form and full job description please see this link:
soscn.org/development-support-officer
Please send your completed application to recrutment@soscn.org
- Closing date for applications: 14 July 2026
- Interviews expected to be held w/c 27 July 2026
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference for SACC in Scotland for children and their families, we’d
love to hear from you!