Head of Early Years – Play Out

Ormiston Families; England; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charitable organization is seeking a dynamic Head of Early Years to lead their childcare provision. You will be responsible for providing overall leadership and management, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and driving developments in the nursery. Ideal candidates must have a relevant Early Years qualification and experience in managing a similar setting. This full-time, hybrid position offers a salary of around £45,000 per annum, ensuring optimal care and educational support for children from birth to preschool age.

Qualifications

• Must possess a relevant Early Years or Childcare qualification at minimum Level 6.
• Experience managing an Early Years setting is essential.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage a team is critical.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Play Out childcare setting.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and Ofsted standards.
• Drive service development and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Early Years/ Childcare Qualification NVQ /NNEB/CACHE/ City & Guilds/ BTEC Min Level 6 or equivalent

Proven experience in managing an Early Years Setting

Demonstrated leadership and team management

Strong knowledge of EYFS and current Ofsted statutory guidance

Experience in developing new services or settings

Knowledge of funding streams and income generation in the early years sector

Job description

Head of Early Years – Play Out

Based – Hybrid – at least two days per week on site at 333 Felixstowe Road and more if role requires it (one day must be a Friday)

Full-time Permanent Post working 37.5 hours

Salary: circa £45,000 per annum (subject to skills & experience)

Ormiston Families, trading as Play Out Nursery, is one of the leading charities working with children, young people, and families in the East of England. We take early and preventative action to support families to be safe, healthy, and resilient.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Early Years to lead and grow our childcare provision, currently serving children from birth to pre-school age. This is a unique opportunity to combine operational excellence with strategic business development, ensuring our nursery not only delivers outstanding care and education but also thrives as a sustainable and innovative enterprise.

As Head of Early Years your role is to provide overall leadership and management of Ormiston Families’ Play Out childcare setting in delivering high-quality care and the passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment that promotes learning, development, and growth. You will ensure that the setting meets compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements including Ofsted standards and Statutory Early Years Framework. You will also be responsible for the development and sustainability of the nursery through innovative service expansion, income generation and community engagement initiatives.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Early Years/ Childcare Qualification NVQ /NNEB/CACHE/ City & Guilds/ BTEC Min Level 6 or equivalent
• Proven experience in managing an Early Years Setting.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management.
• Has a strong knowledge of EYFS and current Ofsted statutory guidance.
• Experience in developing new services or settings would be desirable.
• Knowledge of funding streams and income generation in the early years sector would also be desirable.

To apply please click on the apply online button

Closing date for applications: 12noon, Monday 15th December 2025

Play Out reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we have received sufficient applications ahead of the closing date.

Safeguarding And DBS Requirements For Your Role

Ormiston Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.