Job Description

Curriculum Manager

Location:

Across Creative Explorers sites (multi-site working required)

Hours

: Full-time, 38 hours per week

Reports to

: General Manager

Job Band

: E - Leadership

Hourly Rate

: 15-20, depending on experience and qualifications

Lead Learning Across a Growing Nursery Group

At Creative Explorers, our mission is to nurture creativity, curiosity, and compassion from the very first years of life. With multiple nursery branches and exciting plans for further growth, we are seeking a visionary Curriculum Manager to lead and unify the educational quality across our expanding group.

This is a senior, multi-site leadership role. You'll work across several settings, guiding teams to deliver a dynamic, inclusive, and child-centred curriculum. Whether supporting room leaders in Hornsey or coaching deputies in Crouch End, you'll be at the heart of our educational vision--translating ethos into impact, every day.

If you believe in learning through play, value inclusion as a practice not a policy, and want to shape the curriculum for a growing community of little explorers--this role is for you.

Purpose of the Role

The Curriculum Manager is responsible for the strategic development, quality assurance, and leadership of teaching, learning, and curriculum practices across all Creative Explorers sites. You will drive curriculum innovation, oversee SEND provision, and develop staff to deliver consistently outstanding early years education.

This role collaborates closely with the General Manager, Deputy Managers, and other senior leaders, supporting and mentoring educational staff across locations to embed consistent and high-quality pedagogy.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Develop and maintain a Creative Explorers curriculum that reflects our values and the EYFS framework. Oversee planning, observation, and assessment practices to ensure quality and consistency. Introduce new, research-informed educational approaches and initiatives. Lead regular Teaching & Learning forums and curriculum planning meetings.

SEND Strategy & Compliance

Act as the Designated SEND Lead across the organisation. Support and mentor Deputy SENDCos at each site. Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and facilitate relevant referrals (Early Support, EHCPs). Support the design and review of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and classroom inclusion strategies. Deliver in-house SEND training and liaise with external professionals as required.

Quality Assurance & Ofsted Readiness

Conduct regular learning walks, environment audits, and educational quality checks. Provide site-specific action plans and monitor progress. Mentor teams toward outstanding Ofsted outcomes, ensuring readiness across all locations.

Staff Development & Mentorship

Design and deliver CPD focused on curriculum, inclusive practice, and pedagogical leadership. Provide tailored coaching to Room Leaders, Deputies, and Practitioners. Identify training needs and arrange external or internal development opportunities. Model reflective practice and lead peer-learning initiatives.

Family & Community Engagement

Support the Parent Engagement Team in designing learning content for newsletters, workshops, and forums. Attend SEND meetings and contribute to parent forums, building trust and understanding with families.

Leadership & Cross-Site Collaboration

Act as a senior voice within the Leadership Team, helping shape nursery-wide educational strategy. Line manage Curriculum Leads or SENCOs as required. Provide regular reports on curriculum and SEND outcomes to the General Manager and Executive Team. Travel between branches as part of regular site leadership and support.

Experience & Qualifications

Level 5 in Early Years Education (essential); Level 6 / EYTS preferred. SENDCO qualification or commitment to complete within 12 months. 5+ years' experience in Early Years, with 2+ years in curriculum leadership or senior teaching. Proven track record of designing, leading, and evaluating early years curriculum. Strong grasp of EYFS, Development Matters, SEND Code of Practice, and Ofsted EIF. Skilled in Ofsted preparation, inspection participation, and post-inspection improvement. Inspirational communicator and coach with a collaborative mindset.

Key Attributes

A strategic and creative thinker grounded in child development theory and practice. A confident, mobile leader who can motivate teams across multiple settings. A passionate champion for inclusive education and holistic development. Practical, positive, and purposeful--aligned with the Creative Explorers ethos of curiosity, compassion, and resilience. Able to balance educational vision with operational realities and statutory compliance.

Why Join Creative Explorers?

Leadership role in a growing, values-led early years group. Opportunities to shape practice across multiple nurseries. A commitment to ongoing CPD, coaching, and training. A collaborative senior leadership team that values innovation and initiative. Perks include: birthday leave, Christmas closure, 50% childcare discount, referral bonuses, and enhanced wellbeing support.
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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Performance bonus Yearly bonus
Benefits:

Employee discount Language training provided Store discount
Schedule:

Day shift Flexitime Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/07/2025