Early Year Quality Specialist

Job Title: Early Childhood Specialist

Contract Type: Full Time / 40 Hours per week / Field based / Travel to HO and to our nurseries

Salary: From £45k per annum plus £4k car allowance (If required)

* Regional travel required around Watford, Wembley, Maidenhead, Kenton, Northwood, Golders Green area - C+L3)*

Closing Date 30th October 2026 - Please apply with an up to date CV to be considered for this opportunity

Purpose of the Role

The Early Childhood Specialist (Quality Specialist - Early Years) provides regional support and leadership to nursery teams, helping to drive high-quality care, education, and compliance. Through coaching, mentoring, training, and regular nursery visits, you will support continuous improvement, implement Bright Horizons' curriculum and nurture approaches, and help nurseries achieve strong inspection outcomes and exceptional experiences for children.

What We Can Offer You:

• Flexible working and holiday entitlement
• Discounted childcare
• Retail, leisure, and holiday discounts
• Wellbeing support and resources

Why Bright Horizons?

Join a purpose-driven organisation supporting over 10,000 children across the UK. With 98% of our nurseries rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, we offer a flexible, supportive culture focused on wellbeing, work-life balance, and making a positive impact on children and families.

Key Accountabilities

• Coach and support nursery teams to deliver outstanding care, education, and compliance.
• Drive quality improvement, inspection readiness, and best practice across the region.
• Implement Bright Horizons' curriculum, nurture approaches, and SEND support.
• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child wellbeing, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead training, mentoring, and professional development for nursery teams.
• Partner with Operations, HR, and central teams to support succession planning and continuous improvement.

Essential / Desired Experience

• Experience as an Ofsted/Care Inspectorate Inspector.
• Local Authority early years experience.
• Nursery management with improved inspection outcomes.
• Coaching, mentoring, and training delivery experience.
• Knowledge of UK early years regulations and inspections.
• Experience building practitioner networks and communities.
• Understanding of the Bright Horizons Nurture Approach (internal candidates).

Qualifications

• Minimum level three qualification in Early Childhood Education (Essential)
• Relevant first degree in Early Childhood related subject (Desirable)
• Post Graduate professional qualification – Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Teacher Status or Early Years
• Professional Status (Desirable)
• Thrive Licensed Practitioner status (Desirable)
• Evidence of continuous professional development and awareness of current pedagogical national initiatives (Essential) - Leadership and Management accredited qualification (Desirable)
• Adult/Further/Higher Education teaching certificate and/or experience – Early Childhood Studies or relevant subject (Desirable)
• Full, clean driving licence (where regional geography requires)

Personal Attributes

• Strong communicator and influencer.
• Motivated, proactive, and results-focused.
• Builds trusted relationships and develops teams.
• Positive, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
• Supports and inspires others to achieve their potential.
• Uses data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Able to travel across the UK as required.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application.

#INDECS

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!