At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire early years education, shaping the future of young learners.
- Company: Join Ark Dickens, a vibrant school community in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Higher salaries, extensive training, generous pension, and employee rewards.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and foster a nurturing learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 43000 € per year.
Start date: September 2026
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? If so, we want to hear from you! 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.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact info@arkdickensprimary.org or call 02392 826514. 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.
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.
Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at https://arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.
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.
Visit arkdickensprimary.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.
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.
Early Years Phase Lead in Hampshire employer: ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1
Ark Dickens is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Portsmouth, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community. With a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, generous benefits including higher salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture, we empower our Early Years Phase Lead to inspire excellence in early years education. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values professional growth and recognition.
Contact Detail:
ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Phase Lead in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ark Dickens. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think about specific examples where you've demonstrated strong leadership in early years education. Be ready to share how you've inspired others, tackled challenges, and fostered a positive learning environment. Real-life stories resonate well and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If possible, reach out to people who work at Ark Dickens or similar schools. They can provide insider tips on what the school values most and what to expect during the interview process. Plus, it shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on arkdickensprimary.org/jobs. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Phase Lead in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and how you can inspire others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in leading EYFS and how you've fostered inclusive practices in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas are easy to follow and that you communicate your qualifications effectively.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications on an ongoing basis, so the sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of standing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK DICKENS PRIMARY ACADEMY-1
✨Know Your Early Years Pedagogy
Make sure you brush up on the latest theories and practices in early years education. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these principles in a practical setting, demonstrating your deep understanding of child development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and support staff, as well as how you've fostered a positive learning environment that promotes high expectations for both pupils and colleagues.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Be prepared to discuss your commitment to inclusive practice. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure every child feels valued and supported, and how you plan to continue this at Ark Dickens.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Ark Dickens' ethos and values. During the interview, express how your personal teaching philosophy aligns with their mission to provide every child with the best possible start, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
