Early Childhood Specialist

Early Childhood Specialist

Need to be Based: Surrey or Sussex

Full Time / Field-based role

Salary £doe plus car allowance / Full, clean driving licence (if required).

Ability to travel within the UK; flexibility to work from home or regional office

The Role

The Early Childhood Specialist (ECS) is a leadership role within Bright Horizons UK, responsible for providing hands-on pedagogical advice and support to nursery teams. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular nursery visits to ensure high-quality care and education practices.
• Collaborating with the Regional Director, Nursery Managers, and other teams to develop best practices in teaching and learning.
• Monitoring nursery practices and providing coaching, mentoring, and training to practitioners.
• Leading internal changes to ensure the successful application of policies and practices.
• Working with the Pedagogical Research & Development team to implement the BH curriculum and drive improvements based on observations and regulatory outcomes.
• Supporting the implementation of the Quality Improvement Framework (QIF) and elements of the Nurture Approach and Practices, including the Bright Beginnings Curriculum, SEND/ASN, and Thrive.

What We Can Offer You:

Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Discounted childcare of 40% (subject to availability)
• Up to 36 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes and wellbeing support
• Access to a wide range of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities and days out
• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to us. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006 – as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing, Great Place for Development, and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide pedagogical and nursery management support to nursery practitioners.
• Collaborate with ECSs, RDs, PR&D team, Operations, Safeguarding, HR, Health and Safety, and external partners.
• Ensure high-quality evidence for EC quality measures and drive improvements.
• Develop regional nursery teams\’ capability and efficiency.
• Contribute to professional development activities and training.
• Support HR, PD, and Operations in recruiting and inducting nursery managers.
• Provide guidance on EC regulation and inspection.
• Engage in personal and professional development.

What We Are Looking For:

• Experienced Early Childhood specialist with a proven track record in education providers or Local Authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive quality improvement and support change.
• Experience in developing high-performing nursery practitioners and teams.
• Significant experience in Early Childhood, understanding legislative frameworks, safeguarding, and best practices.
• Ability to write clear reports and use IT for reporting and quality monitoring.
• Previous experience as an OFSTED/Care Inspectorate inspector or in Local Authority.
• Experience managing a nursery and improving quality and inspection outcomes.
• Engagement with practitioner networks to promote quality improvement.
• Experience in teaching and designing Early Childhood training.
• Expert knowledge of regulatory requirements and inspection processes.
• Understanding of the Bright Horizons Nurture Approach (internal candidates only).

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum L3 qualification in Early Childhood Education.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Teaching certificate or experience in Early Childhood Studies.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Highly motivated, achieving positive impact and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to build trust and develop cohesive teams.
• High energy, thrives in a dynamic environment, and has a \’can-do\’ attitude.
• Ability to use data to inform strategy and drive quality.

• Relevant first degree (desirable).
• Post Graduate professional qualification (desirable).
• Thrive Licensed Practitioner status (desirable).
• Leadership and Management qualification (desirable).

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply – as you may be just what we are looking for! Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. Some of our roles require specific qualifications by law, this will be highlighted as essential within the advert.