Director of Early Years 

Transform Early Years Education Across Cumbria and Beyond

Are you an exceptional Early Years leader with the vision to drive systemic change, inspire educators, and deliver outstanding outcomes for young learners?

Co-op Academies Trust is seeking a Director of Early Years to lead, innovate, and raise standards across our primary academies. Based primarily in South Cumbria (Barrow region), this high-profile executive role combines targeted local leadership with strategic, Trust-wide impact.

You won’t be working in isolation. You will join an established Directorate alongside two other Directors of Early Years, tapping into a rich pool of specialised knowledge, high-quality resources, and shared expertise across our collaborative network.

Predominantly based in South Cumbria (Barrow-in-Furness), with an expectation to work at other schools across the Trust when requested, alongside monthly collaboration in Manchester.

Why Choose Co-op Academies Trust?

1. Autonomy & Innovation: We give you the freedom to challenge conventions, introduce cutting-edge practice, and shape curriculum design, while aligning with our overarching Trust strategy.
2. True Collaboration: Benefit from strong peer support through regular directorate meetings and monthly trust-wide strategic sessions in Manchester.
3. Professional Growth: As a key trust-wide leader, you will be empowered to deliver high-impact CPD to a diverse audience from classroom teachers and senior leaders to Headteachers and Trustees.
4. Values-Driven Culture: Work within an organisation rooted in co-operative values, dedicated to improving life chances for children in diverse communities.

The Role & Your Impact

As Director of Early Years, you will act as a champion for early childhood education, holding our academies accountable for excellence while providing the support needed to achieve it.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Driving Force: Predominantly support our South Cumbria academies, leading target setting, progress meetings, and moderation to secure strong pupil outcomes.
2. Capacity Building & CPD: Design and deliver engaging, high-quality professional development to diverse groups across the Trust, building sustainable leadership and teaching capacity.
3. Curriculum & Provision Development: Model outstanding Early Years practice, ensuring curriculum and provision exceed Ofsted and Education Inspection Framework expectations.
4. Accountability & Quality Assurance: Hold school leaders and academies to account for school improvement priorities, supporting overall outcomes across the region.
5. 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.

What We Are Looking For

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

How to Apply

If you have the passion, expertise, and drive to shape Early Years education across our Trust, we’d love to hear from you. Please follow the online application process detailing how your experience meets the job description and person specification.

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 12th October. Interviews are scheduled to take place on 20th or 21st October.