At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire nursery teams while ensuring exceptional care and education for children.
- Company: Join Inspired Education, a global leader in premium schooling with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy industry-leading professional development, career opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives in a dynamic and innovative learning environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and proven leadership experience in nursery settings.
- Other info: Travel between two sites in London and champion inclusive practices.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 121 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13. In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations.
ROLE SUMMARY: Inspired Education are seeking a Head of Nursery to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a multi-site nursery setting in London. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced early years professional who is passionate about delivering outstanding care and education, inspiring teams, and driving continuous improvement. Working closely with the UK CEO, you will ensure each nursery consistently delivers an exceptional EYFS-aligned provision, meets all regulatory requirements, and reflects our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and child-centred learning. This is an all year round position based in South West London.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead and embed a clear vision, ethos, and strategic direction across both nursery sites
- Develop and implement improvement plans aligned with EYFS and Ofsted expectations
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily operations including staffing, safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance
- Manage budgets, admissions, and effective resource allocation
- Champion a rich, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Monitor planning, observation, and assessment to ensure strong progress and outcomes for all children
- Promote learning through play, curiosity, and child-led exploration
- Line manage Nursery Managers and senior leaders across each site
- Lead recruitment, induction, performance management, and appraisals
- Foster a culture of professional growth, reflective practice, and collaboration
- Safeguarding & Inclusion
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or provide oversight of site-based DSLs
- Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are consistently implemented
- Champion inclusive practice and support provision for children with SEND
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
- Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (NVQ, CACHE, EY Degree, QTS or equivalent)
- Proven leadership experience across multiple nursery settings
- In-depth knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, SEND, and Ofsted frameworks
- Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to travel between two sites in London
SAFER RECRUITMENT STATEMENT: Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
Head of Nursery employer: Inspired Education Group
Contact Detail:
Inspired Education Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Nursery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in nurseries or schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend local education fairs or nursery open days. This is a great way to meet potential employers face-to-face and make a lasting impression. Bring your best self and be ready to talk about your passion for early years education.
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with leaders in the nursery sector. Share your insights on early years education and engage with their content. This can help you get noticed and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Inspired Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Nursery role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, especially those related to EYFS and safeguarding. We want to see how your background aligns with our commitment to excellence!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for early years education and how you can inspire teams. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, share your vision for the nursery setting. How would you lead and embed a clear ethos across multiple sites? We’re looking for innovative ideas that reflect our commitment to child-centred learning and inclusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Education Group
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement it across multiple nursery settings and ensure compliance with Ofsted expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership approach and how it aligns with the vision of Inspired Education. Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired teams, managed performance, and fostered professional growth in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled challenges related to safeguarding, inclusion, or operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Child-Centred Learning
Articulate your commitment to child-centred learning and how you would promote a rich, inclusive curriculum. Share specific strategies you've used to encourage play, curiosity, and exploration among children in your care.