Head of Centre

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental authority in Greater London is seeking a qualified Early Years Teacher to lead educational practices at Archway Children’s Centre. This role involves ensuring high-quality childcare and promoting development in line with the EYFS framework. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and has a background in trauma-informed practices. Competitive benefits include flexible working arrangements, extensive leave, and commitment to diversity.

Benefits

Up to 31 days leave per year

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay

Excellent local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Local discounts

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with Early Years Teacher status required.
• Experience in childcare and leadership desirable.
• Understanding of EYFS framework and child development.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and direction for early years education.
• Ensure high-quality childcare and education.
• Support staff in delivering a nurturing environment.

Skills

Early Years Teacher

Qualified Teacher Status

Trauma-informed practice

Collaboration

Education

Relevant teaching qualification

Job description

About The Role

Grade/ Salary: Soulbury 13-17

Qualifications required; Early Years Teacher or Qualified Teacher Status

In transformation to the early childhood services in Islington six children’s centres have been paired and are overseen by an Executive Head and each centre has their own Head of Nursery to support the executive head in providing vision, direction and leadership for the nursery, ensuring high quality childcare and early education that improves outcomes in line with the areas of learning and development in the EYFS and narrows the gap between those children most vulnerable to poor outcomes and the rest.

Archway Children's Centre is situated in the Bright Start North area in light and spacious purpose-built spaces. We have a spacious garden with mud kitchen and a calm spaces to explore natural materials. Central to our ethos is trauma informed practice and loving pedagogy.

Archway Children’s Centreachieved 'Outstanding' in the recent Ofsted inspection. The effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning, assessment, personal development, behaviour, welfare and outcomes for children is all outstanding.

Archway Children’s Centre is in the register of good practice for ‘Imaginative Approaches to Exploring Media and Materials’. It also has the GOLD award for Healthy Early Years London. The nursery serves the local and wider community and is open for 49 weeks of the year, closing for two weeks over the summer.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Mita Pandya on 020 7527 4827/4831 for Archway Children’s Centre.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t beclearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the boroughand as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, wehave to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to

a enhanced DBS check with children barred list, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.