At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a bilingual early years team, ensuring high-quality education for children aged 1-6.
- Company: Join the prestigious German School London, part of a global network of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment with great perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a beautiful riverside setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in Early Childhood Education and fluent in German and English required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The German School London / Deutsche Schule London (DSL) is part of a long-standing tradition of excellence in the world-wide network of more than 136 German schools abroad which are accredited and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. With approximately 180 permanent staff, we offer a first-class education in an international, friendly school community to almost 900 students representing more than 50 nations. Within this community, we promote individual learning and critical thinking, opening the doors to excellent training and career opportunities in the UK, Germany, Europe and around the world.
The DSL provides a distinguished educational programme from Kindergarten to Abitur with a specific emphasis on German language and culture in a bi-lingual environment. DSL is double-rated by both Ofsted and the German BLI (Bund-Länder-Inspektion) and was awarded an “Outstanding” as well as an “Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule“ rating in the recent inspections in 2025. Set within beautiful and spacious grounds by the River Thames, the school provides a truly exceptional setting that supports the wellbeing, creativity and success of both staff and pupils.
The Kinderhaus comprises both the DSL Kinderhaus facilities (for children aged 3–6) and those of Sudbrook School (for children aged 1–4). Each group is always supported by two educators, with one educator speaking German while the other communicates in English to foster the bi-lingual abilities in early childhood. A dedicated courtyard and a spacious playground, including a small woodland area, provide excellent opportunities for outdoor play and for exploring the surrounding natural environment. The focus is on individual play and learning, enriched by shared experiences within a bilingual setting.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of Early Years Education/ Head of Kinderhaus to join our international Kinderhaus team. 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 bilingual 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 Head of School and working closely with the Director of Sudbrook School, the role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- 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.
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for early childhood education and child development.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.
- Flexible, proactive and solution-oriented.
- Commercial awareness alongside educational focus.
- Willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities.
- Open, approachable and adaptable.
Benefits:
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and career growth, including paid annual leave, enhanced sick pay, professional development support and career progression opportunities, employee discount schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), on-site staff canteen with subsidised meals, free parking, a competitive pension scheme, long service awards, and regular company events and team-building activities.
Please send your CV, Covering Letter and relevant Certifications, stating how you meet the requirements of the job. The School reserves the right to close the recruitment process early.
Application deadline: 30 April 2026.
DSL and Sudbrook School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and will carry out a DBS check and appropriate screening on applicants. DSL and Sudbrook are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all applicants who meet the requirements for the position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Head of Kindergarten for bi-lingual German Nursery in London employer: German School London
The German School London offers a vibrant and supportive work environment, where educators are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong emphasis on bilingual education and a commitment to individual learning, staff benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of employee perks including subsidised meals and a generous pension scheme. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Thames, the school fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises both educational excellence and staff wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kindergarten for bi-lingual German Nursery in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have ties to bilingual or international schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and educational approach. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for early childhood education shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the perfect job to come to you. Be proactive! Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your bilingual skills during interviews. Whether it’s a quick greeting in German or discussing your teaching philosophy in both languages, demonstrating your fluency can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kindergarten for bi-lingual German Nursery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Kindergarten role. Highlight your leadership experience and bilingual abilities, as these are key for us at DSL.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about early childhood education and how your vision aligns with our bilingual approach. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications, especially those related to safeguarding and early years education. This shows us you’re serious about compliance and child welfare, which is super important in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at German School London
✨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 educational practices and regulations, as this will show your commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in a bilingual environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in early years education. Think about times when you’ve managed staffing, scheduling, or budget issues. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as this is crucial for the Head of Kinderhaus role.
✨Engage with the Community
Be ready to discuss how you would build strong relationships with parents and the wider community. Share ideas on how to foster communication and collaboration, as this is key to creating a nurturing learning environment for children.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through. Talk about your personal philosophy on child development and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. This passion can set you apart from other candidates.
