At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a bilingual Early Years programme for children aged 1-6.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at the German School London, embracing diversity and global responsibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic leadership team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Early Childhood Education and fluent in German and English required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The German School London has a unique opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager/ Head of Early Years Education to join our international Kinderhaus.
About the DSL
The DSL is part of the network of German Schools Abroad and has over 880 children and young people from over 30 nations. We are an international, cosmopolitan community that embraces diversity and we strive to prepare our pupils for their lives in a global context and local responsibility, while promoting their independence. Children from 1 – 6 come together and grow together in the Kinderhaus. In two separate settings with bright buildings, everything is tailored to the needs of our youngest children. The provisions consist of Sudbrook Kinderhaus and DSL Kinderhaus.
The Role
The Head of Kinderhaus provides strategic and operational leadership for the Early Years provision (ages 1–6) across two sites: Deutsche Schule London and Sudbrook School. The role is responsible for the effective delivery, development and management of a high-quality bi-lingual Early Years programme. The position ensures consistent educational standards in line with regulatory frameworks, including German school guidelines and the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Reporting to the Headteacher and working closely with the Director of Sudbrook School, the role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Kinderhaus, including staffing, scheduling and budget management
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (EYFS, safeguarding, health & safety, German school standards)
- Maintain a high-quality, inspiring and nurturing learning environment
- Oversee curriculum development and support effective teaching and learning
- Monitor children’s progress and ensure appropriate support for individual needs
- Work closely with SENCo and specialists to support children with additional needs
- Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings
- Recruit, develop and manage staff, including training and performance reviews
- Foster a collaborative team culture and ensure smooth operations across both sites
- Represent the school to prospective families, including tours and admissions processes
- Lead and support events (e.g. open days, school events)
- Contribute to the senior leadership team and strategic planning
- Balance educational excellence with commercial awareness to support sustainable operations
Requirements
- Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences or related field (Level 4/5, EYTS or QTS preferred)
- Fluent in German and English (written and spoken)
- 5–10 years experience in early years education
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
- Ability to motivate teams and work effectively under pressure
- Safeguarding training (Level 3)
- At least 2 years leadership experience (team management, planning, budgeting)
- Strong knowledge of child development, EYFS and German early years standards
What’s on offer
- Competitive salary
- Paid holiday (exceptions apply on certain days)
- Enhanced sick pay
- Autonomous working and being part of the Senior Leadership Team
- Career development opportunities
- Employee discount schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- High-quality canteen with very reasonable prices
- Free parking
- Excellent pension scheme
- Awards for long service / gifts to mark career milestones
- Events / team-building activities
The School has a sponsorship licence and will support the visa process.
Recruitment Process
Applications must include a Covering Letter and CV, stating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job. The School has a continuous, three stage interview process, and reserves the right to close the recruitment process early. Application deadline: 31 May 2026.
Nursery Early Years Childcare Manager employer: German School Associataion
The German School London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and diverse work environment that values the contributions of its staff. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits, and a supportive culture, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children from various backgrounds. Located in a cosmopolitan community, the school provides unique opportunities for career growth and collaboration within a dedicated team committed to educational excellence.
Contact Details:
German School Associataion Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Early Years Childcare Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in early years education, especially those who might know someone at the German School London. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around bilingual education and nurturing environments. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re keen and professional, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a Nursery Early Years Childcare Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Early Years Childcare Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in early years education and how it aligns with our values at the German School London. Keep it personal and engaging, showing us why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in managing early years settings.
Showcase Your Bilingual Skills:Since fluency in both German and English is essential, make sure to showcase your language skills prominently in your application. If you have any relevant certifications or experiences that highlight your bilingual abilities, include those too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at German School Associataion
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and German early years standards. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and budgets. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Engage with the Community
Since this role involves building relationships with parents and the community, come prepared with ideas on how you would foster these connections. Share any past experiences where you successfully engaged families in the educational process.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges in a nursery setting, such as handling a child with additional needs or managing staff conflicts, and prepare your responses.
