Headteacher (0.6 FTE Teaching Commitment) (L9 - L15)

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council invites applications for a Headteacher at South Normanton Nursery School, to commence 1 January 2027. The successful candidate will lead Early Years provision, drive SEND development, and build on an excellent improvement trajectory within a maintained nursery setting.

We seek a passionate leader with strong communication skills, a commitment to child-led learning, and the ability to inspire staff, families and partnerships.

Qualifications

• ,Experience as Headteacher or senior leader in Early Years settings.
• -Experience with SEND and SEN development units and inclusion initiatives.
• -Commitment to child-led learning and outdoor learning approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for school improvement and pupil outcomes.
• Oversee safeguarding, welfare and community engagement.
• Collaborate with Derbyshire County Council and local cluster schools on collaborative projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

SEND experience

Education

National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NPQ SEN)

Job description

Closing date: 27 September 2026

HEADTEACHER

for 1 January 2027

ISR: L9 - L15

NoR: 52

Teaching Commitment: 0.6 FTE

Playing together, learning together and growing together

Due to our current Headteacher retiring, the pupils, staff and Governors of this successful and unique maintained Nursery School are looking for a dynamic and inspiring Headteacher.

South Normanton Nursery School is seeking a Headteacher who is:

• A passionate leader and teacher of Early Years’ education, with a relentless drive for excellence;
• An excellent communicator, with the interpersonal skills to motivate others and the vision and dedication to bring about a clear strategic direction for improvement so that children, families and staff can thrive;
• Committed to continuing our child led approach to learning;
• Committed to supporting young children with SEND and who holds the National Award for Special Education Needs Co-ordination, NPQ SEN or be willing to work towards it;
• Able to continue on the successful school improvement trajectory that the school is currently on whilst being able to identify areas for development which will enhance the excellent Early Years’ provision already in place;
• Able to advance our plans for an SEN development unit due to commence in September 2026.

We can offer you:

• A unique opportunity to lead a maintained Nursery School that is flourishing in this current education climate;
• Friendly, enthusiastic, challenging and supportive staff and Governing Body;
• A school with high aspirations for, and involvement with, all our children and families who deserve the very best;
• The opportunity to develop your professional skills and experience;
• Excellent support from the community;
• Exciting opportunities to take part in collaborative projects with the other maintained Nursery Schools in Derbyshire and the local cluster of schools.

Our Nursery School is one where improving outcomes for ALL children is at the heart of our provision and children’s well-being is a priority. The successful candidate will be an excellent leader who inspires and motivates staff and children alike and recognises the power of child led learning through play using our excellent indoor and outdoor facilities. The future Headteacher should be in possession of excellent leadership skills, high quality teaching and learning strategies, and have the ability to nurture strong and open relations with staff, children and families to raise aspiration and improve achievement.

Experience in Early Years’ provision is essential, along with a love of outdoor learning.

Are you the passionate and visionary leader who can continue our journey in a changing climate? If so, we would like to meet you.

Committed to safeguarding the welfare of our children.

Closing date: Sunday 27 September 2026

Interviews: Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October 2026