head of daycare.

Job Title: Head of Daycare

Location: Leeds, LS10

Working Pattern: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Salary: £51,356 - £54,495

The Opportunity

We are delighted to be partnering with a successful and community-focused primary education federation in Leeds to find an inspiring Head of Daycare. This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced Early Years leader to step into a strategic, operational role where you can truly shape the early years journey. Working in close collaboration with the Head of EYFS, you will ensure a seamless, high-quality, and inclusive transition for children from daycare through to preschool and school life. A September start is highly desirable for this position, allowing you to lead your team right from the start of the new academic year.

About the Setting

The provision is situated within a vibrant residential area of Leeds, operating out of well-maintained facilities designed to provide a safe, stimulating, and welcoming environment for young children. As part of an established federation, the setting benefits from collaborative professional development and shared expertise. Staff are expected to be adaptable and open to working across the federation's sites if required, fostering a strongly aligned early years community.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Strategic & Financial Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the Daycare Improvement Plan, manage the setting's budget and resources, and maximise occupancy levels.
• Operational Management: Oversee the daily operations of the daycare, including staff deployment, rotas, admissions, and full compliance with local authority policies and statutory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Motivate, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of childcare practitioners, conducting regular appraisals, supervisions, and professional development sessions.
• Safeguarding & Inclusion: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the daycare provision, ensuring robust child protection procedures are embedded and leading inclusive practice for children with SEND.
• Partnership Working: Build warm, collaborative relationships with parents, carers, health services, and external agencies to optimize outcomes for families.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: A minimum of a full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification is essential. A Level 5 qualification or a relevant degree is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of proven experience in a managerial role within a nursery or daycare setting, with clear experience in managing budgets, child protection, and leading teams.
• Characteristics: A diplomatic, resilient, and motivating leader with excellent interpersonal skills, a maturity of judgment, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Transport & Commute: Ability to reliably commute to the residential setting in Leeds (LS10) and flexibility to work across federation sites when required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to undertake the regular lifting and handling of children and early years equipment safely.

Safeguarding & Compliance

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including an Enhanced DBS check, right to work checks in the UK, and a thorough review of employment history to account for any CV gaps.