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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, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Substantial managerial experience in early years and a recognised leadership qualification.
- Other info: Full-time maternity cover role with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
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, 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 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.
Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover) in London employer: University College London
Contact Detail:
University College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL Day Nursery and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to childcare and education, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams, managed challenges, and improved outcomes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the Deputy Head position.
✨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 the UCL community and contributing to their fantastic nursery environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for early years education in your application. Share why you’re excited about the role and how your values align with our commitment to children's wellbeing and development.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background makes you a perfect fit for leading our nursery and supporting our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us your story! Explain how your managerial experience and leadership style will contribute to our nursery's success. Be personal and genuine – we love to hear your voice!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at UCL Day Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at University College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest early years legislation and Ofsted standards. Familiarise yourself with UCL Day Nursery's values and how they align with your own experience. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨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 approach to fostering a safe and stimulating environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with parents, external agencies, and colleagues in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've contributed to continuous improvement in your previous positions. Share specific examples of initiatives you've led or been part of that enhanced service delivery or team performance. This will show your commitment to high standards and innovation.