We’re looking for an Early Years Degree Lecturer
This is a pivotal academic and leadership role at the heart of our Learning and Development function.
You’ll be responsible for delivering, assessing and continuously improving the LEYF Degree, ensuring it reflects our pedagogy, social purpose and commitment to excellence. From recruiting and supporting students, to designing innovative modules and leading action research, you’ll shape an inspiring learning journey for a diverse range of early years professionals.
If you’re passionate about educational excellence, experienced in higher education teaching, and motivated by developing confident pedagogical leaders, this could be the perfect next step.
What you’ll be doing
Leading for a culture of excellence
1. Teach, assess and evaluate all aspects of the LEYF Degree (and future Masters programmes where applicable)
2. Collaborate with the wider Learning and Development team to maintain exceptional academic standards
3. Ensure the degree aligns with LEYF pedagogy, values and philosophy
4. Contribute to quality assurance processes, including moderation, standardisation and course monitoring
5. Evaluate programme impact, including staff retention, promotion rates and student satisfaction
Designing innovative, research-informed programmes
6. Design, develop, deliver and critically review engaging modules that drive academic excellence
7. Embed innovative approaches to teaching and learning within curriculum design
8. Lead and support Action Research projects across LEYF
9. Contribute to research and continuous improvement in partnership with internal and external stakeholders
10. Design development and support modules to help students thrive academically and professionally
Teaching, coaching and pastoral support
11. Deliver consistently excellent teaching, assessment and feedback
12. Coach and mentor students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds
13. Differentiate teaching approaches to meet a wide range of learning needs
14. Provide first-line pastoral support and signpost students to additional services where required
15. Support students to develop strong time management and independent study skills
Building partnerships and collaborative relationships
16. Build strong internal relationships with Nursery Managers, operational teams and senior leaders
17. Develop productive partnerships with universities, college partners and sector stakeholders
18. Support recruitment and onboarding of new degree students
19. Contribute to external training and leadership development programmes across the sector
Systems, compliance and safeguarding
20. Manage learning management systems and student records effectively
21. Ensure full compliance with safeguarding and relevant regulatory frameworks
22. Promote LEYF’s commitment to health, nutrition and holistic child development within academic content
We’re looking for someone who…
Has the right qualifications and experience
23. Qualified to at least Level 7 in Early Years or a related subject (essential)
24. Proven track record of successful teaching at Level 4, 6 and 7 or above (essential)
25. Experience designing and delivering training within the early years sector (essential)
26. Strong understanding of educational research design and ethical practice (essential)
27. Knowledge of the early years sector and nursery practice (essential)
28. HE teaching qualification and/or IQA/Assessor qualifications (desirable or willingness to complete)
Brings the behaviours that make this role shine
29. Passionate about developing others and raising standards
30. A skilled communicator who can challenge and inspire in equal measure
31. Emotionally intelligent, with the ability to support a diverse student cohort
32. Analytical and evidence-informed in decision making
33. Highly organised, able to manage projects and priorities effectively
34. Committed to continuous professional development
35. Aligned with LEYF’s social impact goals and values
Why you’ll love working at LEYF
36. Be part of an organisation making a genuine difference to children and families
37. Shape the professional journeys of future early years leaders
38. Work in a values-led, research-informed culture
39. Collaborate with passionate colleagues across nurseries, central teams and academic partners
40. Contribute to innovation and social impact across the early years sector
We welcome you exactly as you are
A diverse team makes us stronger. Whatever your background, if you care about educational excellence, social impact and giving children the best start in life, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply online and tell us why this role matters to you.
We’re reviewing applications as they come in – so don’t wait too long.