Nursery Manager (German-speaker)

Nursery Manager (German-speaker)

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
German School Associataion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a bilingual nursery, ensuring high-quality early years education for children aged 1-6.
  • Company: Join the vibrant community at the German School London, embracing diversity and international culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, paid holidays, career development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic leadership team with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team in a nurturing setting.
  • Qualifications: Fluent in German and English with 5-10 years of early years education experience.

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: 28 April 2026.

Nursery Manager (German-speaker) 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. As a Nursery Manager, you will benefit from competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and a supportive team culture, all while working in a nurturing setting dedicated to early years education. With a focus on employee well-being, including enhanced sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme, the DSL fosters a rewarding atmosphere for those passionate about shaping young minds.
German School Associataion

Contact Detail:

German School Associataion Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager (German-speaker)

✨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 a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us you understand their commitment to bilingual education and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to reflect their goals!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you’ve fostered a nurturing environment in previous roles. We want to see your passion shine through!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager (German-speaker)

Leadership Skills
Fluency in German and English
Early Childhood Education Knowledge
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Team Management
Budget Management
Curriculum Development
Child Development Knowledge
Understanding of EYFS
Safeguarding Training (Level 3)
Ability to Motivate Teams
Experience in Early Years Education
Collaboration Skills

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 the role. We want to see your passion for nurturing young minds, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who meets our requirements, so make it easy for us to see how you fit the bill!

Showcase Your Bilingual Skills: Since fluency in German and English is key for this role, be sure to showcase your language skills prominently in your application. Whether it’s through your previous roles or relevant qualifications, let us know how you can communicate effectively in both languages.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school!

How to prepare for a job interview at German School Associataion

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in both the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and German early years standards. Brush up on the latest regulations and best practices in early childhood education, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced, how you motivated your team, and the outcomes of your leadership. This is crucial for a role that requires operational leadership across two sites.

✨Engage with the Community

Since the role involves building relationships with parents and representing the school, be ready to discuss how you would foster community engagement. Share ideas on how to maintain open communication and involve parents in their children's education.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting children with additional needs or managing staff performance. Practise your responses to these scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.

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