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- Tasks: Lead the Best Start in Life programme, ensuring quality education and development for children.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Bexley focused on early years education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, coaching, mentoring, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape their future.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with senior leadership experience and passion for Early Years.
- Other info: Vibrant Bexley offers great amenities and transport links.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
“Best Start in Life” is a government programme focused on ensuring that every child has the strongest foundations for learning, health, and development from pregnancy through the early years. It recognises that the early years are critical for building future life chances. The Education Improvement Service are seeking a Best Start in Life Leader to join our dynamic and reputable team. This role is essential in helping us achieve our ambitious vision for the programme. The successful candidate will lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Best Start in Life programme in Bexley, ensuring it is informed by data, evidence, lived experience, and national policy.
Location: Bexley Civic Offices.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a qualified teacher with a minimum of three years' senior leadership experience in a school or trust, who has had substantial responsibility for overseeing the quality of education, demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, and values the importance of team collaboration. The ideal candidate will have:
- Extensive knowledge and experience in school improvement.
- Strong strategic leadership skills.
- A passion for Early Years with a thorough understanding of the Early Years Framework.
- Experience in working with partner organisations.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
For the full list of essential and desirable criteria for this role then please refer to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please upload your personal statement under the Relevant Experience and Skills section and ensure this fully aligns to the role criteria. This should not be more than two sides of A4.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Interviews are scheduled to be held on 2nd April 2026.
About Us
Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent which means it combines the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It has award-winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites. The borough has excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. Bexley offers fantastic amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas. Our borough is also home to numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions.
Our Offer to you
We will offer you in return a package that includes a competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave plus bank holidays. For more information on the benefits package on offer please refer to the Candidate Information document.
Recruitment Information
As a disability confident employer Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@bexley.gov.uk. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Best Start in Life Leader in Bexleyheath employer: London Borough of Bexley
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Bexley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start in Life Leader in Bexleyheath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved with early years programmes. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Best Start in Life programme thoroughly. Understand its goals and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've improved educational outcomes in previous roles. Use data and evidence to back up your claims – it’s all about demonstrating your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Bexley.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Start in Life Leader in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Best Start in Life Leader role is all about. Dive into the job description and person specification to get a feel for what we’re looking for. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our vision!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise and relevant, sticking to two sides of A4 as requested. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of early years education, and any partnerships you've built. Make it clear why you're the perfect fit for us!
Showcase Your Passion for Early Years: We want to see your enthusiasm for early years education! Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of the Early Years Framework and how it informs your approach. Share examples of how you've made a difference in this area before – we love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Bexley!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Best Start in Life programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Framework and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the programme's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in school improvement. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you led your team to overcome them, demonstrating your strategic thinking and collaboration skills.
✨Connect with the Community
Since this role involves working with partner organisations, be prepared to discuss your experience in building relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with external stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes.
✨Tailor Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should directly reflect the criteria outlined in the job description. Make it concise but impactful, ensuring it highlights your qualifications and passion for early years education while staying within the two sides of A4 limit.