Children's and Education Services Directors Recruitment

"At Nottingham City Council, we’re reshaping how we support children, young people and families—placing integration, early help, and relational practice at the heart of everything we do. As one of the Directors in the Children’s and Education Directorate, you’ll be joining a leadership team that is bold, values-driven, and deeply committed to improving outcomes. Our culture is one of collaboration, reflection, and ambition. We are striving to work across boundaries—between education, health, social care, and communities—to build a system that wraps around children and families, not the other way around. You’ll be part of a team that challenges constructively, supports generously, and leads with integrity. What makes us different? We’re not just delivering services—we’re redesigning them with children and families. We’re investing in our workforce, listening to lived experience, and using data and insight to drive change. And we’re doing it all with a clear purpose: to give every child in Nottingham City the best possible start in life, especially those who face the greatest barriers. If you’re ready to lead with heart and purpose, and to shape the future of integrated services in a city that’s ready for change, we’d love to hear from you.” Sarah Nardone - Corporate Director Children’s Services and Education Services

Nottingham City Council Children's and Education Services is embarking on a significant transformation journey, and we are excited to announce we are recruiting three newly created senior leadership roles: Director of Education, Director of School Improvement, and Director of Family Help.

These positions are pivotal in driving our ambitious agenda to enhance the quality of education and support for children and families across Nottingham. We are looking for inspirational, knowledgeable individuals who are passionate about making a difference and leading change.

As part of our Children's and Education Services senior leadership team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our service. Each of these roles will play a unique part in our transformation journey.

Your expertise and vision will help us implement innovative strategies, improve outcomes, and create a supportive environment where every child can thrive. Together, these roles will form a dynamic team committed to transforming the lives of children and families in Nottingham.

Join us in this transformative journey and be a part of a team dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and the well-being of children and families in Nottingham. Your leadership can truly make a difference in their lives.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for education, family support, and quality assurance, we invite you to join us and make a lasting impact.

The Director of Family Help will Lead Family Help, Youth Justice, Virtual School, Quality Assurance, and Safeguarding Partnership services. You will enhance social work and youth justice to ensure top-quality care for adolescents and families, whilst driving improvement and recovery with key stakeholders. We are looking for an inspiring leader with senior experience, skilled at turning strategy into action. You will be strong in partnerships, committed to diversity and inclusion, and able to motivate high-performing teams.

The Director of Education will provide strategic leadership across diverse education services, collaborate with key stakeholders to create high-performing, integrated children’s services, and act as the principal advisor to the Council on education strategy and policy. We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking senior leader with experience in large, complex organisations, a proven ability to turn vision into measurable outcomes, and a strong commitment to EDI. You should excel in building partnerships, navigating political environments, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The Director of School Improvement will lead the development and delivery of a city-wide school improvement strategy, act as CEO for the Nottingham Schools Trust (NST), and build effective partnerships with education providers to promote excellence. We are looking for a bold, strategic leader with senior leadership experience in complex educational settings, a proven track record in transformational change and sustained school improvement, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Further Information:

• Director of Family Help
  • Advert
  • Job Description
• Director of Education
  
  • Advert
  • Job Description
• Director of School Improvement
  • Advert
  • Job Description

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment to: helen.pearson2@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

• The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 6^th July 2025
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 25th, July 30th, and August 1st, 2025, with specific dates varying by role

If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please email helen.pearson2@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

To arrange an informal conversation with Sarah Nardone about the role, please contact sadie.griffiths@nottinghamcity.gov.uk