Deputy Head of Early Years Services (Maternity Cover)
| Posting date: | 18 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £54,931 to £64,644 per year |
| Additional salary information: | 33 days annual leave, competitive pension |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 March 2026 |
| Location: | London, London, WC1H 0PQ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University College London |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | B28-00171_1771429525 |
Summary
About us
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.
For more about the UCL Day Nursery, visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/day-nursery
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.
Please note, this is a full-time and onsite maternity cover fixed-term contract role available to start immediately and an end date of October 2026.
Job Ref: B28-00171
Closing Date: 04-03-2026 - 23:59 (UK time)
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 some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-Site nursery
- 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.