Policy Officer - Early Years and Primary Education

About this Role

The National Education Union is a powerful force for change in education, representing 500,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leaders. As we undertake an extensive staffing review, this is an exciting time to join us on our journey to becoming a more agile, strategic, and powerfully coordinated trade union—ready to meet the challenges of the future and drive lasting change in education.

We’re seeking an engaged and experienced individual to contribute to the Union’s policy work concerning primary and early years education, as well as the workplace experiences and professional expertise of our primary and early years members.

Working under the direction of, and assisting, the Senior Policy Managers, you will support the team in preparing policy statements, briefings, commentaries, and research papers, as well as conducting surveys, including analysis and report writing. You will contribute to policy work on primary and early years education, providing policy input and guidance as required, including drafting statements and responses on the primary curriculum, its assessment, and the early years phase of education. You will analyse information and data, drawing on members’ professional experiences in the workplace, to develop policies, guidance, and recommendations.

We are looking for applicants with policy or research experience in early years and primary education, including curriculum and assessment in this phase. You will also have recent, relevant experience in a policy or research environment, including contributing to policy development and formulating policy recommendations.

You must have demonstrable knowledge of child-centred early years education and primary practice, as well as the principles of inclusive and equitable education. You should also be able to produce clear and detailed written communications, including policy advice, policy statements, briefings, research summaries, campaign materials, and consultation responses.

In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 33 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a defined benefit pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants.

Further information

Further details can be downloaded from our website at https://neu.org.uk/working-neu where applicants will be able to complete an online application on our recruitment portal. Closing date is mid-day 13 January 2026.

We welcome applications from individuals seeking part-time, job-share or other flexible working arrangements.

THE UNION IS FUNDAMENTALLY COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ITS POLICIES AND PRACTICE