Nursery Deputy Headteacher

Required for September 2026

Headteacher: Ms Neena Lall OBE

The Governors of St Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre wish to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher for the Nursery School from September 2026.

This is a pivotal leadership role within our hard federated setting. The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Nursery School while working closely with the Headteacher and wider Federated Leadership Team to ensure coherence, continuity and excellence from ages 2 to 11.

We are seeking an experienced early years leader who is ambitious, values driven and deeply committed to inclusion, high quality provision and strong outcomes for young children and families.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an authentic, visible and trusted leader within the Nursery School and the wider organisation
• Be an outstanding early years practitioner with expert knowledge of EYFS pedagogy, assessment and curriculum design
• Have a strong track record of leadership impact with at least three years of senior leadership experience
• Lead and inspire staff through clarity, high expectations and professional care
• Secure excellent teaching, learning and progress for all children particularly the most disadvantaged
• Demonstrate deep commitment to inclusion, SEND, safeguarding and early intervention
• Lead robust assessment, tracking, moderation and transition processes
• Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and external agencies
• Contribute strategically to federation-wide leadership and improvement priorities
• Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with a wide range of audiences
• Model resilience, optimism and reflective practice

As a school and federation we offer:

• A highly experienced stable and values-led leadership team
• A nationally recognised Nursery School and Children’s Centre with strong community roots
• A culture where children families and staff are genuinely valued and come first
• A clear moral purpose centred on equity, inclusion and opportunity
• Strong professional development, coaching and leadership progression
• Dedicated protected leadership time
• A supportive and committed federated staff team 

Contact: Mark Little School Business Manager

Closing date: Thursday 26th February 2026

Shortlisting: Friday 27th February 2026

Interviews and presentations: Thursday 19th March 2026

St Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake enhanced DBS checks and all relevant safeguarding checks.

Please note: St Stephen’s is not a church school.