Head of Early Years

Wates; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Birmingham is looking for a Head of Early Years to lead their EYFS provision and ensure the highest standards of compliance and quality. This dual-role position combines strategic leadership with hands-on management to deliver exceptional experiences at Ofsted-registered camps. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in EYFS leadership and a deep understanding of the EYFS framework, along with the ability to train and develop staff. This role is pivotal for advancing educational excellence for young children and their families.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Ofsted-registered EYFS provision.
• Deep understanding of the EYFS Statutory Framework and safeguarding requirements.
• Confident trainer able to build capability in non-EYFS specialists.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine the Super Stars EYFS model.
• Own all EYFS and Ofsted compliance documentation.
• Lead annual mock Ofsted inspections.
• Audit venues for EYFS suitability and maintain quality standards.
• Lead, manage, and motivate coaching teams.

Skills

EYFS leadership

Compliance management

Training and coaching

Strong attention to detail

Education

Level 3+ Early Years/Education/Childcare qualification

Extensive EYFS leadership experience

Job description

Overview

The Head of Early Years is a dual‑role position combining the responsibilities of an Area Manager with the strategic and operational leadership of all EYFS provision delivered through our Super Stars early‑years model. You will be our in‑house Early Years expert – defining, standardising, and elevating the quality of our 3‑5 Ofsted‑registered camps across all venues. You'll ensure the Super Stars product reflects the EYFS Statutory Framework, meets Ofsted standards, and delivers an exceptional premium experience for young children and their families. Alongside this, you will act as an Area Manager for your designated venue(s): leading your coaching team, delivering outstanding holiday camps, and driving local growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Success in this role will be measured by the expansion and quality of Super Stars provision, Ofsted readiness, camp attendance, parent feedback, and adherence to compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. EYFS Leadership

• Define and continually refine the Super Stars EYFS model, including daily routines, free‑flow and adult‑led activities, toileting/settling processes, age‑appropriate differentiation, and learning area zoning.
• Produce and maintain a Super Stars Delivery Handbook including session plans, behaviour/inclusion strategies, intimate care guidance, medical/allergy handling, and parent communication scripts.
• Establish staffing structures, including required EYFS Level 3 presence, ratios, induction requirements, and paediatric first aid expectations.

Compliance, Ofsted & Safeguarding

• Own all EYFS and Ofsted compliance documentation: policies, procedures, risk assessments, Single Central Record inputs, DBS and qualification tracking, accident/incident logs, supervision plans, and deployment records.
• Lead annual mock Ofsted inspections and regular spot checks, producing action plans and continuous improvement processes.
• Act as the organisation's lead during Ofsted inspections: liaison, evidence management, and delivery of post‑inspection actions.

Rollout & Operational Logistics

• Audit current and prospective venues for EYFS suitability: zoning, equipment, resource storage, access to outdoor/quiet spaces, and toileting proximity.
• Plan holiday calendars, staffing deployment, environment setup, age‑stage rotation maps, and resource allocation.
• Ensure high‑quality, age‑appropriate equipment is sourced and maintained (soft play, sensory kit, creative resources, early‑years sports equipment).

Staff Capability & Enablement

• Train, coach, and upskill Area/Senior Managers and coaches to confidently deliver Super Stars EYFS provision.
• Create and maintain toolkits: EYFS session templates, daily checklists, room setup plans, toileting protocols, SEND/reasonable adjustments guidance, and communication frameworks.

Parent Communication & Brand Standards

• Ensure consistent delivery of parent information packs, daily updates, and end‑of‑week celebrations.
• Work with Marketing to strengthen the Super Stars brand, focusing on messaging around ratios, safety, qualified staff, and Ofsted registration.
• Support the collection of high‑quality parent testimonials, feedback, and content (permissions‑compliant).

Measurement & Reporting

• Track occupancy, staffing ratios, qualified practitioner coverage, parent survey results, Google Review performance, incidents, and Ofsted readiness.
• Produce post‑holiday reports with outcomes and improvement actions.

2. Area Manager Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate the coaching team at your assigned venue(s).
• Build strong, professional relationships with venue partners, acting as the main point of contact.
• Deliver high‑quality camps ensuring safety, fun, and excellence in every session.
• Manage safeguarding, H&S, incident/accident processes, medical needs, and compliance.
• Drive local attendance through school visits, community engagement, and promotional events.
• Provide outstanding customer service: handling parent queries and resolving issues promptly.
• Track and report performance against Scorecard targets (attendance, feedback, reviews).
• Ensure all coaches meet compliance standards (DBS, qualification, safeguarding, first aid).
• Oversee staffing levels and deployment during holiday periods.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of coaching staff.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and administrative compliance.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ Early Years/Education/Childcare qualification or extensive EYFS leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of the EYFS Statutory Framework, safeguarding, paediatric first aid expectations, supervision, ratios, and SEND/inclusion.
• Experience leading or delivering Ofsted‑registered EYFS provision.
• Strong compliance mindset with exceptional attention to detail and documentation.
• Confident trainer able to build capability in non‑EYFS specialists.