At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Nursery School, ensuring high-quality education for children aged 2 to 11.
- Company: St Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre, a community-focused and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong professional development, and dedicated leadership time.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: At least three years of senior leadership experience in early years education.
- Other info: Join a stable leadership team committed to equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: Salary is currently under review but will meet teachers pay and conditions for the leadership spine.
Location: St Stephen’s Schools and Children’s Centre
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 32.5 hours per week.
Closing Date: 26/02/2026 at 09:00
Reference: Pri/26/330430
Required for September 2026
The Governors of St Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre wish to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher for the Nursery School from September 2026. This is a pivotal leadership role within our hard federated setting. The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Nursery School while working closely with the Headteacher and wider Federated Leadership Team to ensure coherence, continuity and excellence from ages 2 to 11.
We are seeking an experienced early years leader who is ambitious, values driven and deeply committed to inclusion, high quality provision and strong outcomes for young children and families.
The successful candidate will:
- Be an authentic, visible and trusted leader within the Nursery School and the wider organisation
- Be an outstanding early years practitioner with expert knowledge of EYFS pedagogy, assessment and curriculum design
- Have a strong track record of leadership impact with at least three years of senior leadership experience
- Lead and inspire staff through clarity, high expectations and professional care
- Secure excellent teaching, learning and progress for all children particularly the most disadvantaged
- Demonstrate deep commitment to inclusion, SEND, safeguarding and early intervention
- Lead robust assessment, tracking, moderation and transition processes
- Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and external agencies
- Contribute strategically to federation-wide leadership and improvement priorities
- Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with a wide range of audiences
- Model resilience, optimism and reflective practice
As a school and federation we offer:
- A highly experienced stable and values-led leadership team
- A nationally recognised Nursery School and Children’s Centre with strong community roots
- A culture where children, families and staff are genuinely valued and come first
- A clear moral purpose centred on equity, inclusion and opportunity
- Strong professional development, coaching and leadership progression
- Dedicated protected leadership time
- A supportive and committed federated staff team
Contact: Mark Little School Business Manager
Closing date: Thursday 26th February 2026
Shortlisting: Friday 27th February 2026
Interviews and presentations: Thursday 19th March 2026
St Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake enhanced DBS checks and all relevant safeguarding checks.
Please note: St Stephen’s is not a church school. The School has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to the community and the employment of people and expects all employees to understand and promote its policies in their work.
How to apply: Please apply online. For technical difficulties, please contact the Jobsgopublic Support Team (support@jobsgopublic.com). For further information about the role, please email the School business manager, Mark Little at mark.little@st-stephens.newham.sch.uk.
Nursery Deputy Headteacher employer: Sirjohnheron
Contact Detail:
Sirjohnheron Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know St Stephen’s. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the culture at St Stephen’s. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your vision for the nursery. Make it engaging and clear, showing how you’ll lead with inclusion and high expectations. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at St Stephen’s. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see your commitment to inclusion and high-quality provision, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at St Stephen’s. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can contribute to our community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. If you run into any technical issues, just reach out to the support team for help.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sirjohnheron
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum design. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in your previous roles and how they can be applied at St Stephen’s.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experiences and how you've inspired staff in the past. Think of specific examples where you've led teams to achieve high expectations and fostered a culture of professional care.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be ready to discuss your approach to inclusion, SEND, and safeguarding. Share examples of how you've supported disadvantaged children and families, and how you plan to continue this work in your new role.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you can build strong partnerships with families and external agencies. Prepare to share ideas on how you would engage with the community and enhance the nursery's reputation as a supportive environment for all.