At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a bilingual nursery, ensuring high-quality early years education for children aged 1-6.
- Company: Join the German School London, a vibrant international community embracing diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative leadership team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a nurturing and dynamic 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) in Richmond employer: 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) in Richmond
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research the German School London and its values. When you walk in for that interview, show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their unique community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience in early years education and how it aligns with their bilingual programme. We want you to highlight your leadership skills and how you can inspire a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to the interview! Dress smartly, be punctual, and come prepared with questions. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the school’s future.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager (German-speaker) in Richmond
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 and your understanding of both German and UK educational standards.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every job. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Nursery Manager position. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership and management experience in early years settings.
Showcase Your Bilingual Skills: Since this role requires fluency in both German and English, make sure to demonstrate your language skills in your application. Whether it’s through your cover letter or CV, we want to see 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 community there!
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 and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership in managing staff and operations.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the role involves building relationships with parents and the wider community, be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered these connections in the past. Share any initiatives you’ve led that improved communication or engagement with families.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting children with additional needs or managing a budget. Practise your responses to these types of questions, as they’ll help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.