Head of Early Years in Sidmouth

The Head of Early Years is responsible for the strategic leadership and day‑to‑day management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring the highest standards of education, care and safeguarding for all children. The role includes curriculum leadership, staff management, parental partnership and operational oversight. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder plays a key role in safeguarding and child protection across the school, with specific responsibility for safeguarding practice within the EYFS, working closely with the DSL to promote a strong, consistent safeguarding culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management
  • Provide clear, aspirational leadership and strategic direction for the Early Years provision.
  • Develop, implement and review EYFS policies and procedures in line with statutory requirements.
  • Lead, support and manage Early Years staff, ensuring high professional standards and accountability.
  • Monitor, evaluate and improve teaching and learning to secure excellent outcomes for all children.
  • Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and the wider school community.
• Teaching & Learning
  • Ensure delivery of a high‑quality, play‑based EYFS curriculum supporting children’s holistic development.
  • Promote outstanding pedagogical practice and inclusive provision for all learners.
  • Use observation, assessment and data to track progress and inform planning.
  • Foster creativity, curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
  • Promote effective communication with parents using Tapestry and other agreed systems.
• Safeguarding & Child Protection (Deputy DSL Responsibilities)
  • Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting the DSL in safeguarding leadership across the school.
  • Be a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within EYFS and across the school when required.
  • Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns, ensuring accurate recording and timely escalation via CPOMS.
  • Support the DSL in making referrals to Children’s Services, Early Help and external agencies where appropriate.
  • Ensure EYFS safeguarding practice meets statutory requirements and reflects Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
  • Maintain clear, accurate and confidential safeguarding records for EYFS pupils.
  • Promote the voice of the child and ensure children’s welfare is central to all safeguarding decisions.
  • Support staff involved in safeguarding cases and contribute to a culture of vigilance and care.
  • Attend safeguarding meetings, briefings and multi‑agency meetings as required.
  • Undertake regular DSL/DDSL training and maintain up‑to‑date safeguarding knowledge.
• Safeguarding & Welfare (EYFS Focus)
  • Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are updated and are rigorously implemented within the Early Years setting.
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, nurturing and emotionally supportive environment.
  • Support children’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
  • Work closely with external professionals and agencies to support children and families.
• Staff Development & Training
  • Lead staff induction, mentoring, supervision and performance management.
  • Foster a culture of continuous professional development and reflective practice.
  • Support the delivery of safeguarding training and EYFS updates to staff, as appropriate.
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Oversee staffing, budgets and resources for the Early Years provision.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety, welfare and statutory EYFS requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records, reports and documentation to support inspection and governance.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications & Experience
  • Minimum Level 4 qualification in Early Childhood Studies, Education or related field (e.g. BA Early Years, PGCE, QTS, EYTS).
  • Significant leadership experience within an Early Years setting.
  • Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework and best practice.
  • Experience of staff leadership, supervision and performance management.
  • Experience of safeguarding and child protection practice in an educational setting.
  • Willingness to undertake and maintain Deputy DSL training.
• Skills & Knowledge
  • Excellent understanding of child development and early years pedagogy.
  • Strong leadership, organisational and people‑management skills.
  • Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, KCSIE and EYFS safeguarding requirements.
  • Ability to manage sensitive safeguarding concerns with professionalism and discretion.
  • Effective communication skills with children, parents, staff and external agencies.
  • Ability to use assessment data and safeguarding information to inform practice and improvement.
  • Confident use of digital systems (e.g. CPOMS, Tapestry).
• Personal Attributes
  • Passionate advocate for early years education and child wellbeing.
  • Calm, resilient and reflective, particularly when managing safeguarding concerns.
  • Empathetic, approachable and trusted by children, families and colleagues.
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in an Ofsted or ISI ‘Outstanding’ setting.
• Knowledge of SEND, inclusion and Early Help processes.
• Experience contributing to safeguarding audits or inspections.
• Safer Recruitment training.
• Experience supporting multi‑agency safeguarding work.

Safeguarding Statement

The postholder will be required to:

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Undertake appropriate safeguarding training.
• Uphold the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies at all times.