About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Early Childhood to contribute to the programme and modules, with a focus on babies and young children. The successful candidate will have a background in working in the field of early childhood and experience teaching within Higher Education.
Key Responsibilities
You will be part of one or more module teams responsible for the design, production, delivery and maintenance of open and distance learning materials using blended and technology-enhanced approaches. The role includes developing teaching resources, contributing to curriculum and assessment design, supporting student learning through online engagement, and collaborating with Associate Lecturers and consultant writers.
You will contribute to the presentation and ongoing maintenance of existing modules, including assessment design, monitoring teaching delivery, and participating in examination and qualification boards. The role also requires developing a personal research profile aligned with the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport’s research themes and contributing to the School’s academic community.
The position is contractually based at the Open University’s Milton Keynes. Most meetings are held online but occasional attendance at Milton Keynes will be required for academic community and module team meetings. You may work from home, but this is not a home-based role.
About You
Essential
Higher degree or equivalent professional knowledge in Early Childhood or related field.Knowledge and experience of the field of Early Childhood and understanding of other approaches to studying Early Childhood within the social sciences to contribute to the development and production of modules in Early Childhood related curriculum.Experience of Higher Education teaching and/or module design to contribute effectively to content creation and delivery that engages and retains students.Understanding of supported open and distance learning and the ability to develop and produce distance and blended learning materials, including online resources.Experience using information and communications technology for teaching, learning and collaboration, with awareness of emerging educational technologies.Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with varied audiences.Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across teams and contribute flexibly to shared goals.Strong organisational skills and a proven ability to plan and organise work to agreed deadlines, within resource constraints, and sometimes under pressure with competing priorities.Ability to contribute to research and scholarship, including publications or recognised contributions to teaching and learning through activities such as publications and/or widely recognised and disseminated contributions to learning and teaching in Early Childhood.Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes and to attend key meetings as required.
Desirable
Evidence of research and scholarship, including publications, funded projects, or impact within Early Childhood.PhD/EdD completed or in progress.Fellowship (or higher) of the Higher Education Academy.Postgraduate teaching qualification or qualification for teaching in Higher Education.Experience contributing to external research funding or REF submissions.
Why Join The Open University?
At The Open University, we’re proud to be a world‑leader in accessible education and evidence‑led decision‑making. This role offers the chance to work on high‑impact, strategically important projects in an organisation with a strong social purpose.
Our benefits include:
33 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three-day Christmas closure period.Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions.Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free.Hybrid working, with limited requirement to attend the office in-person, with agile working and family friendly policies.Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities.