Head of Early Years

Head of Early Years

Job Purpose

As Head of Early Years, you will provide overall leadership and management of all of our childcare setting. Your role is to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and education while fostering a safe, nurturing environment that promotes learning, development, and growth for all children. You will ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Ofsted standards and the Statutory Early Years Framework.

In addition, you will be responsible for the development and sustainability of the nursery through innovative service expansion, income generation, and community engagement initiatives.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership & Operational Management

• Provide overall leadership and management of all Out childcare setting, ensuring high standards of care, education, and safeguarding.

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Childcare team to deliver a nurturing and stimulating environment.

• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including Ofsted standards and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Monitor and evaluate the quality of provision, implementing continuous improvement strategies, preparing development plans, and writing/updating policies.

• Ensure all activities align with Ormiston Families’ quality framework and internal processes.

Strategic Business Development

• Identify and assess opportunities for expanding childcare provision, including new settings or satellite sites.

• Lead the development and delivery of parenting courses and family support initiatives within the childcare setting and across the organisation.

• Explore innovative ways to utilise existing space to generate additional income (e.g., community activities, weekend clubs, evening classes).

• Develop and implement strategies to increase occupancy and enhance the nursery’s financial sustainability.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, local authorities, and community partners.

• Represent the nursery at external meetings and forums, promoting its vision and values.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the nursery’s development aligns with wider organisational goals.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• Level 6 Early Childhood Education or equivalent qualification.

• Proven experience in leadership and management within an early years setting.

• Knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and early years statutory frameworks.

• Experience in business development, income generation, or community engagement is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning abilities.

• Commitment to safeguarding, child welfare, and inclusive practices.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about early years education and child development.

• Approachable, supportive, and collaborative.

• Innovative, proactive, and adaptable to change.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS clearance.

• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.