Director of Early Years

About the role

Director of Early Years – Transform Early Years Education Across Cumbria and Beyond. Co‑op Academies Trust seeks an exceptional Early Years leader with the vision to drive systemic change, inspire educators, and deliver outstanding outcomes for young learners. The role is based primarily in South Cumbria (Barrow region) and combines targeted local leadership with strategic, Trust‑wide impact. You will join an established Directorate alongside two other Directors of Early Years, drawing on a pool of specialised knowledge, high‑quality resources, and shared expertise across the collaborative network. Expectation to work at other schools across the Trust when requested, with monthly collaboration in Manchester. As Director of Early Years you will act as a champion for early childhood education, holding academies accountable for excellence while providing the support needed to achieve it.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Driving Force: Predominantly support our South Cumbria academies, leading target setting, progress meetings, and moderation to secure strong pupil outcomes.
• Capacity Building & CPD: Design and deliver engaging, high‑quality professional development to diverse groups across the Trust, building sustainable leadership and teaching capacity.
• Curriculum & Provision Development: Model outstanding Early Years practice, ensuring curriculum and provision exceed Ofsted and Education Inspection Framework expectations.
• Accountability & Quality Assurance: Hold school leaders and academies to account for school improvement priorities, supporting overall outcomes across the region.
• Trust Directorate Contribution: Work closely with the Regional Director, fellow Early Years Directors, and central teams to embed best practices across all Trust primary academies.

Requirements

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrable success in driving measurable improvements in Early Years provision and pupil outcomes across multiple classes or school settings.
• Expert Knowledge: Deep expertise in the EYFS statutory framework, early reading/phonics, curriculum design, and Ofsted inspection criteria.
• Influence & Accountability: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to combine high expectations, rigorous accountability, and constructive challenge with tact and empathy.
• Leadership & Coaching: Experience in coaching educators, leading diverse teams, and delivering impactful CPD.
• Mobility: Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally across South Cumbria and to central Trust meetings in Manchester.

Benefits

• Autonomy & Innovation: Freedom to challenge conventions, introduce cutting‑edge practice, and shape curriculum design while aligning with Trust strategy.
• True Collaboration: Strong peer support through regular directorate meetings and monthly trust‑wide strategic sessions in Manchester.
• Professional Growth: Empowerment to deliver high‑impact CPD to a diverse audience from classroom teachers and senior leaders to Headteachers and Trustees.
• Values‑Driven Culture: Work within an organisation rooted in co‑operative values, dedicated to improving life chances for children in diverse communities.

Pay

Salary: 10–L14 (£66,956