At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire our Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring outstanding teaching and learning.
- Company: Hendon Prep School, part of the Blenheim Schools Group, known for its nurturing environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a collaborative network focused on educational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in Nursery and Reception, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £50,000 (depending on experience)
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Permanent/Full Time
Hendon Prep School is a warm, inclusive and nurturing independent preparatory school where every child is known, valued and empowered to thrive. Guided by our mission to Empower, Inspire and Include, we combine personalised learning, expert teaching and innovative approaches to help every child achieve academic success while growing in confidence and resilience. Our diverse community celebrates kindness, curiosity and a love of learning. Through a broad and creative curriculum, enriching co-curricular opportunities and a strong focus on pupil wellbeing, we ensure children from Preschool to Year 6 flourish both academically and personally. Safeguarding and the wellbeing of every child are central to everything we do.
Hendon Prep School is seeking an outstanding, dynamic and ambitious EYFS Lead to lead and develop our thriving Early Years Foundation Stage provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years leader to shape the strategic direction of Nursery and Reception, inspire a team of talented practitioners and play a key role in the continued growth of our school. As part of the Blenheim Schools Group, you will benefit from working within a collaborative and innovative network of schools committed to educational excellence, professional development and continuous improvement.
The EYFS Lead is responsible for the leadership, day-to-day management and continued development of Nursery and Reception. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, you will ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pastoral care whilst supporting pupil recruitment, retention and parental engagement.
- Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership for Nursery and Reception.
- Drive continuous improvement through effective self-evaluation and development planning.
- Contribute to whole-school leadership and school improvement initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Blenheim Schools Group to share best practice and innovation.
- Teaching and Learning
- Ensure outstanding teaching and learning across the EYFS.
- Lead an ambitious, engaging and child-centred curriculum.
- Develop stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture where children's welfare is paramount.
- Ensure full compliance with the latest EYFS Statutory Framework and safeguarding requirements.
- Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to support vulnerable children and families and act as a deputy DSL.
- Lead attendance monitoring and early intervention strategies.
- Foster a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported.
- Support Nursery-to-Reception conversion and overall EYFS recruitment.
- Develop strong links with local nurseries and community partners.
- Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Maintain high standards in safeguarding, health and safety, and staff development.
- Support inspection readiness and quality assurance processes.
Requirements:
- Significant experience teaching within Nursery and Reception.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS Framework and child development.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and welfare requirements.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for children.
- Experience within the independent school sector.
- Experience preparing for inspections.
- Experience working across multiple teams or school groups.
- Understanding of educational technology and innovative practice in Early Years.
Benefits:
- Access to professional development and leadership opportunities through the Blenheim Schools Group.
- Wonderful children who are enthusiastic, curious and eager to learn.
- A welcoming and engaged parent community.
Safeguarding Statement: Hendon Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, online searches, reference checks and all other safer recruitment checks in line with statutory guidance and the school's safeguarding procedures.
Temporary Team Manager employer: Blenheim Schools
Blenheim Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With a focus on educational excellence and compliance, the role of Strategic School Bursar & Operations Leader provides unique opportunities for growth in leadership and financial management within a vibrant school community dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment.
