At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire early years education in a vibrant, inclusive school community.
- Company: Join Ark Dickens Academy, a nurturing and ambitious primary school.
- Benefits: Higher salaries, generous pension, extensive training, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on staff wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of early years provision and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership skills.
Are you ready to lead and inspire early years education in a vibrant, inclusive school community? Do you want to work with a committed SLT to raise standards and champion early years excellence at Ark Dickens Academy? If so, we want to hear from you!
Ark Dickens Primary is a vibrant, inclusive school at the heart of its community, committed to providing a nurturing and ambitious learning environment for every child. With a strong focus on high expectations, excellent teaching, and pastoral care, Ark Dickens empowers pupils to 'Be your best' academically and socially. The school is proud of its dedicated staff, supportive leadership, and a culture that values kindness, resilience, and aspiration.
We are now looking for a passionate and experienced EYFS Lead to join our team and help shape the future of early years provision, ensuring every child gets the best possible start.
Key responsibilities:- Demonstrate a deep understanding of early years pedagogy and child development.
- Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to inclusive practice.
- Model high expectations for staff and pupils, promoting a culture of excellence and care.
- Provide strong leadership and management across EYFS, ensuring high standards of achievement and wellbeing.
- Foster a nurturing, positive learning environment that supports effective interactions and relationships.
- Support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of School and SLT to implement strategic priorities within EYFS.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are robust and consistently applied.
- Monitor and evaluate EYFS provision, using data to inform planning and improvement.
- Contribute to whole-school improvement through innovation and reflective practice.
- Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies to support pupil outcomes.
- Share best practice across the academy and wider trust to drive continuous improvement.
Benefits:
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Twice as many training days as standard.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards - a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
- Interest‑free loans - up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts - offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme - providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
About Us: Ark Dickens is a lovely school in the heart of Portsmouth. We are a two-form entry primary academy, which became part of the Ark network in September 2014. We are a school with high aspirations and expectations to 'Be Our Best' in all that we do. This reflects our ethos of ensuring every child is provided with every opportunity to reach their potential. At our school, staff wellbeing and support is of paramount importance to us. Staff are given countless opportunities as well as tailored training geared towards individual professional development. We offer a collaborative setting ensuring that staff receive responsive feedback and colleagues are encouraged to learn from one another. Hard work will never go unappreciated at Ark Dickens, where there is a spirit of recognition and reward. Our school is a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.
Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone - staff and students - can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Early Years Phase Lead employer: ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1
Ark Dickens Academy is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community in Portsmouth. With a strong emphasis on professional development, generous benefits, and a supportive leadership team, staff are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to the nurturing environment that ensures every child achieves their best. The academy's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing makes it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about early years education.
Contact Detail:
ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Phase Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ark Dickens Academy and its values. Understanding their ethos will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and might even give you a heads-up on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would demonstrate your understanding of early years pedagogy and child development. Use real-life examples from your experience to showcase your leadership style and commitment to inclusive practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and leave a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Phase Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for early years education! Share specific examples of how you've inspired children and fostered a nurturing environment in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Ark Dickens. Highlight your commitment to inclusivity and high standards, as these are key to our community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1
✨Know Your Early Years Pedagogy
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of early years pedagogy and child development. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge in a practical setting, especially in relation to the nurturing environment at Ark Dickens Academy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your commitment to inclusive practice and how you’ve modelled high expectations for both staff and pupils.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since working collaboratively with the Head of School and SLT is key, think of instances where you've successfully partnered with others to implement strategic priorities. This will show that you can contribute to whole-school improvement effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding procedures and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure these are robust and consistently applied. This is crucial for the role, so showing your awareness and commitment to child welfare will set you apart.
