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- Tasks: Lead and manage high-quality Early Years Services at UCL Day Nursery.
- Company: Join UCL, one of the world's top universities, in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's development in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Substantial managerial experience in early years and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 47400 - 58000 £ per year.
UCL Day Nursery, located in the heart of UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus, provides high-quality childcare and nursery education, placing the happiness, wellbeing and development of children and their families at the centre of everything we do.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an Ofsted-rated ‘Good with Outstanding Features’ nursery that is proud of the diverse community it serves and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children and staff can thrive.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of the UCL community – one of the world’s top universities
- Access training and professional development to support your growth
- Work in a diverse, vibrant and inclusive setting that values your contribution
- Contribute to a team that prioritises the wellbeing and happiness of every child
- One of the UK’s most respected nurseries in a world-leading university setting.
About the role
As Deputy Head of Early Years Services, you will play a key leadership role within UCL Day Nursery, supporting the strategic management, development and delivery of high-quality Early Years Services at your designated nursery site. Working closely with the Head of Early Years Services and senior colleagues, you will help shape service direction in line with UCL priorities and national early years policy.
You will lead the day-to-day operational management of the nursery, exercising delegated authority to ensure consistently high standards of childcare, education, safeguarding and statutory compliance. Alongside this, you will contribute to wider Early Years initiatives, including public engagement and entrepreneurial projects that support service growth, involving project delivery, budget management, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
You will provide visible, confident leadership to a team, fostering a safe, caring and stimulating environment that supports children’s social, emotional, physical and educational development. You will oversee staff supervision, performance management, training and development, and ensure effective deployment of permanent, agency and placement staff.
The role requires close partnership working with Camden Early Years Advisors and other external agencies, monitoring and evaluating practice using recognised tools such as SEF, ITERS and ECERS, and liaising with Ofsted and regulatory bodies as required.
You will also oversee key administrative and financial functions, including place management, fee collection, budgeting, record keeping and reporting, while working collaboratively with parents to support children’s progress. You will promote continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration and UCL values, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across all aspects of the service.
Please note, the working pattern for this role will be Monday – Friday, either 08.30-16.30 or 09.30–17.30, with a longer day on Thursdays to allow for all-staff meetings.
This is a full-time and onsite maternity cover fixed-term contract role available to start immediately and an end date of October 2026.
About you
You will bring substantial managerial experience within an early years nursery setting, with the credibility and confidence to deputise for the Head of Early Years Services and lead a nursery site effectively. You will have in-depth knowledge of statutory early years legislation and a proven track record of successfully delivering strong Ofsted outcomes.
You will be an inspiring and visible leader with experience of building, developing and motivating high-performing teams, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and safety-first practice. You will demonstrate the ability to lead change, challenge the status quo and introduce innovative approaches that enhance outcomes for children, families and staff.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to influence, persuade and engage a wide range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external partners. You will have up-to-date sector knowledge, a proactive and collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to equality, professionalism and inclusive working practices.
A recognised leadership qualification or completion of a leadership development programme is required. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required is essential.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover - 9 Months) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover - 9 Months)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL Day Nursery and its values. Show us that you understand our commitment to high-quality childcare and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting children's development.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think about examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or implemented change. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others in a nursery setting.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at UCL Day Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover - 9 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Head of Early Years Services. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've motivated teams and led initiatives in early years settings. This is your chance to shine a light on your managerial experience and how it can benefit our nursery.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at UCL Day Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on early years legislation and Ofsted standards. Familiarise yourself with UCL Day Nursery's values and recent initiatives. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you've motivated staff or implemented changes that improved outcomes for children. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the nursery's ethos.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with parents, external agencies, and colleagues. Prepare to discuss strategies for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration. Highlight any experience you have in public engagement or community projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be ready to talk about how you promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in your work. Share specific examples of how you've created an inclusive environment for children and staff, and how you plan to continue this at UCL Day Nursery.
