Head of Kinderhaus (Head of Early Years) in London

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced

Head of Early Years Education/ Head of Kinderhaus

to join our international Kinderhaus team.

The Head of Kinderhaus provides strategic and operational leadership for the early years provision (ages 1–6) across two sites: Deutsche Schule London and Sudbrook School. The role is responsible for the effective delivery, development and management of a high-quality bilingual early years programme.

The position ensures consistent educational standards in line with regulatory frameworks, including German school guidelines and the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with the Director of Sudbrook School, the role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Kinderhaus, including staffing, scheduling and budget management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (EYFS, safeguarding, health & safety, German school standards)

• Maintain a high-quality, inspiring and nurturing learning environment

• Oversee curriculum development and support effective teaching and learning • Monitor children’s progress and ensure appropriate support for

individual needs

• Work closely with SENCo and specialists to support children with additional needs

• Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings

• Recruit, develop and manage staff, including training and performance reviews

• Foster a collaborative team culture and ensure smooth operations across both sites

• Represent the school to prospective families, including tours and admissions processes

• Lead and support events (e.g. open days, school events)

• Contribute to the senior leadership team and strategic planning

• Balance educational excellence with commercial awareness to support sustainable operations
Requirements
• Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences or related field (Level 4/5, EYTS or QTS preferred)

• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken)

• 5–10 years’ experience in early years education

• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills

• Ability to motivate teams and work effectively under pressure

• Safeguarding training (Level 3)

• At least 2 years’ leadership experience (team management, planning, budgeting)

• Strong knowledge of child development, EYFS and German early years standards

Personal Attributes

• Passion for early childhood education and child development

• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset

• Flexible, proactive and solution-oriented

• Commercial awareness alongside educational focus

• Willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities

• Open, approachable and adaptable

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and career growth, including paid annual leave, enhanced sick pay, professional development support and career progression opportunities, employee discount schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), on-site staff canteen with subsidised meals, free parking, a competitive pension scheme, long service awards, and regular company events and team-building activities.

The School has as sponsorship licence and will support the visa proccess.

Application deadline: 30 April 2026.

All applications must be received through our website and include a covering letter, stating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job. The School reserves the right to close the recruitment process early.

DSL and Sudbrook School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and will carry

out a DBS check and appropriate screening on applicants. DSL and Sudbrook are an equal opportunities

employer and welcome applications from all applicants who meet the requirements for the position.

Im Anschreiben auf das Verzeichnis Deutscher Kindergärten im Ausland verweisen.