Executive Head Nurseries - Early Years

Executive Head – Early Years (Interim)
Interim contract – circa 6 months | Start end of July / August
£425 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working – 4 days on-site / 1 day remote

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 4 May 2026

Baltimore Consulting are supporting a Local Authority in London who are looking to recruit an interim Executive Head for Early Years. This is a high‑impact interim opportunity for a senior early years leader ready to step into complexity and drive visible improvement. As Executive Head – Early Years, you will take ownership of three nursery settings at a pivotal point, providing both strategic grip and operational leadership following significant challenges. You will report into senior stakeholders and hold accountability for stabilising services, restoring confidence and setting a clear path forward.

Your role as the Executive Head – Early Years:

• Oversight of three nurseries, providing visible leadership and clear accountability
• Service recovery & improvement, raising standards in underperforming environments
• Safeguarding leadership, embedding robust practice and risk management
• Complex people management, including disciplinaries, absence and performance issues
• Ofsted readiness, aligning practice with EYFS, compliance and internal policies

Your previous experience as an Executive Head – Early Years:

• Senior leadership background within Early Years or nursery services
• Multi‑site oversight experience, managing competing priorities at pace
• Strong ER and HR casework exposure, including complex disciplinaries
• Deep knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted, applied practically, not theoretically
• Proven stabilisation track record, improving morale and engagement

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be a good fit, please contact Lucy Connick or Jordan Groves on 0117 3137110 or apply today.
(We offer a referral scheme for successfully placed recommendations – feel free to get in touch!)

Our clients are committed to building an inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be fully supported during the recruitment and onboarding process.