training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Job Title: Head of Early Years Daycare
Location: Leeds
Working Pattern: Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £51,356 - £54,495
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a progressive primary school federation in Leeds to find a dedicated and strategic Head of Early Years Daycare. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced early years leader to step into a pivotal role that balances operational excellence with a genuine passion for early childhood development. Working in close partnership with the Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), you will drive the setting's strategic vision, ensure seamless transitions for children, and maintain an environment where every child can thrive. A September start is highly desirable for this position, allowing the successful candidate to lead the setting from the very beginning of the new academic year.
About the Setting
The provision is based within a well-equipped, single or two-storey building located in a welcoming residential community in Leeds. As part of an established federation, the setting benefits from collaborative leadership, shared professional development, and a deeply embedded inclusive ethos. The team works dynamically across the early years phase, and the successful candidate may occasionally be required to work across different sites within the federation to ensure standardisation and shared best practice.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Strategic & Financial Leadership: Lead the implementation of the Daycare Improvement Plan, manage the setting's budget, and optimise resource allocation and occupancy levels.
- Operational Management: Oversee daily operations, including staff rotas, child admissions, and meticulous adherence to local authority policies and statutory requirements.
- Curriculum Alignment: Work alongside the Head of EYFS to implement and monitor a high-quality, inclusive EYFS curriculum that supports consistent child development.
- Team Leadership: Manage, motivate, and mentor the daycare team, undertaking staff appraisals, regular supervisions, and identifying training needs.
- Safeguarding & Inclusion: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the daycare, managing child protection procedures and coordinating support for children with SEND and vulnerable learners.
- Community Partnerships: Build and maintain supportive relationships with parents, carers, health services, and external agencies to achieve the best outcomes for families.
What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: A minimum of a full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification is required. A Level 5 or degree-level qualification in a relevant field is highly desirable.
- Experience: A minimum of 2 years of proven experience in a managerial role within a nursery or daycare environment is essential. You must have practical experience managing budgets, leading staff teams, and handling child protection matters.
- Characteristics: A resilient, diplomatic leader with excellent communication skills, strong maturity of judgment, and the ability to manage competing demands under pressure.
- Physical & Adaptability Requirements: Ability to undertake regular lifting and handling of children and early years equipment safely, and a willingness to work across federation sites as directed.
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.
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