Nursery Manager
2 days ago
Richmond
The German School London has a unique opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager/ Head of Early Years Education to join our international Kinderhaus. About the DSL The DSL is part of the network of German Schools Abroad and has over 880 children and young people from over 30 nations. We are an international, cosmopolitan community that embraces diversity and we strive to prepare our pupils for their lives in a global contexts and local responsibility, while promoting their independence. Children from 1 – 6 come togetherand grow together in the Kinderhaus. In two separate settings with bright buildings, everything is tailored to the needs of our youngest children. The provisions consist of Sudbrook Kinderhaus and DSL Kinderhaus. The Role The Head of Kinderhaus provides strategic and operational leadership for the Early Years provision (ages 1–6) across two sites: Deutsche Schule London and Sudbrook School. The role is responsible for the effective delivery, development and management of a high-quality bi-lingual Early Years programme. The position ensures consistent educational standards in line with regulatory frameworks, including German school guidelines and the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Reporting to the Headteacher and working closely with the Director of Sudbrook School, the role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the organisation. Key Responsibilities • Lead the day-to-day operations of the Kinderhaus, including staffing, scheduling and budget management, • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (EYFS, safeguarding, health & safety, German school standards), • Maintain a high-quality, inspiring and nurturing learning environment, • Oversee curriculum development and support effective teaching and learning, • Monitor children’s progress and ensure appropriate support for individual needs, • Work closely with SENCo and specialists to support children with additional needs, • Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings, • Recruit, develop and manage staff, including training and performance reviews, • Foster a collaborative team culture and ensure smooth operations across both sites, • Represent the school to prospective families, including tours and admissions processes, • Lead and support events (e.g. open days, school events), • Contribute to the senior leadership team and strategic planning, • Balance educational excellence with commercial awareness to support sustainable operations Requirements • Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences or related field (Level 4/5, EYTS or QTS preferred), • Fluent in German and English (written and spoken), • 5–10 years experience in early years education, • Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills, • Ability to motivate teams and work effectively under pressure, • Safeguarding training (Level 3), • At least 2 years leadership experience (team management, planning, budgeting), • Strong knowledge of child development, EYFS and German early years standards What’s on offer • Competitive salary, • Paid holiday (exceptions apply on certain days), • Enhanced sick pay, • Autonomous working and being part of the Senior Leadership Team, • Career development opportunities, • Employee discount schemes, • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), • High-quality canteen with very reasonable prices, • Free parking, • Excellent pension scheme, • Awards for long service / gifts to mark career milestones Recruitment Process Applications must include a Covering Letter and CV, stating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job. The School has a continuous, three stage interview process, and reserves the right to close the recruitment process early. Application deadline: 31 May 2026.
