Director of Nurseries

Do you have a passion for nurturing young minds and a keen business sense? 

LEO Academy Trust is seeking a visionary Director to lead the exciting expansion of our early years provision. 

In this pivotal role, you will: 

• Spearhead the development and launch of multiple nurseries: This includes both maintained and private nurseries strategically located to meet the needs of our communities and generate income for the Trust. 
• Expand existing early years provision across the Trust: Building on our current success, you'll identify opportunities to enhance and extend existing nurseries and services. 
• Champion high-quality early years education: Create nurturing environments that foster curiosity, development, and a love for learning in all children. 
• Develop a sustainable business model: Ensure our nurseries are financially viable, generating income to support the Trust and further investment in early years.
• Lead a dedicated and passionate team: Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, attracting and retaining top talent in the early years sector. 

You'll be a perfect fit if you have: 

• Proven experience in setting up and managing successful childcare settings.
• A strong understanding of the early years education curriculum and best practices.
• A strategic mindset with excellent business acumen and financial planning skills.
• Outstanding leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and inspire a team. ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with parents, staff, and stakeholders. 

LEO Nurseries offers: 

• A dynamic and rewarding leadership role with a significant impact on young lives. ● The opportunity to shape the future of early years education within a growing Trust. ● A competitive salary and benefits package. 
• The chance to work in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you're ready to cultivate a thriving future for LEO Nurseries, we want to hear from you! 

Informal conversations are welcomed and a visit to our team is encouraged. Please contact the Trust’s dedicated HR Team on 020 8066 7130 or via email at recruitment@leoacademytrust.co.uk 

Internal candidates should complete and send a statement of suitability to recruitment@leoacademytrust.co.uk. 

External candidates should complete an application form. 

All candidates should detail in either the statement of suitability or application form how you meet the aspects of the person specification for the role - please see the job description and person specification here. You should describe your suitability against the person specification and ensure that you cover all essential criteria, by providing evidence and examples of proven experience. 

Reasonable adjustments 

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, or at any stage of the recruitment process, please 

• contact the Recruitment team via recruitment@leoacademytrust.co.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 
• External candidates should also complete the appropriate section of the application form to tell us what changes or help you might need. 

About Us

Please find out more about LEO Academy Trust and our schools here. 

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please read about our commitment to safeguarding as well as other important information in our Applicant guide. 

LEO Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members.