Early Years and First School Lead in London
Early Years and First School Lead

Early Years and First School Lead in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire the Early Years team to create an inclusive, nurturing environment for children.
  • Company: Join a supportive SEN school dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
  • Benefits: Ongoing professional development, a warm community, and the chance to impact families positively.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of children with complex needs and be part of a caring team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Early Years, ideally within an SEN setting, and a passion for inclusive education.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and welcoming school environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking an inspiring Early Years Leader to lead and develop our Early Years provision within a nurturing and highly supportive SEN school. This is a unique opportunity to shape a provision where children's communication, sensory, social, and emotional needs are at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, manage, and inspire the Early Years team to deliver outstanding practice
  • Design and implement a creative, inclusive EYFS curriculum tailored to children with complex needs
  • Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the Early Years provision
  • Work closely with therapists, families, and external professionals to support each child's development
  • Create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children can thrive
  • Play a key role in whole-school leadership and strategic development

Qualifications

  • Has strong experience in Early Years, ideally within an SEN or inclusive setting
  • Holds EYFS leadership experience or is ready to take the next step into leadership
  • Has a deep understanding of child development and the EYFS framework
  • Is confident supporting children with ASD, communication needs, sensory needs, and developmental delay
  • Is reflective, compassionate, and committed to inclusive practice
  • Values teamwork, collaboration, and positive relationships with families

What We Offer

  • A warm, welcoming school community with a strong ethos of care and inclusion
  • Excellent support from a skilled multidisciplinary team
  • Ongoing CPD and leadership development opportunities
  • The chance to make a genuine difference to children and families every single day

Part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust family of schools, Manor Green School is a large and highly successful special school educating some 300 students aged 2-19, who, due to their complex needs, require significant specialist support to succeed academically and achieve their full potential. The school's mission statement is to be the Centre of Excellence for students with special educational needs. We are already a good school and now we wish to be the best! Come and join our amazing team. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Closing Date: 22 February 2026

How to Apply

Please download a job application pack from the school website or contact: Please email your completed form to this address. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

The Ascendancy Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

Early Years and First School Lead in London employer: Manor Green School

At Manor Green School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a warm and inclusive community where every team member is valued. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have access to ongoing training and leadership opportunities, allowing you to grow alongside our dedicated multidisciplinary team. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs in a nurturing environment that prioritises collaboration and care.
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Contact Detail:

Manor Green School Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years and First School Lead in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with Early Years and SEN. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get an interview, make sure to share your experiences and how they align with the school’s mission. Let them see your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for scenario questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations related to child development and inclusive practices. This will show you’re ready to tackle the challenges of the role head-on.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Manor Green School.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years and First School Lead in London

Leadership Skills
Early Years Education
SEN Experience
Curriculum Design
Inclusive Practice
Child Development Knowledge
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Assessment Skills
Creativity
Nurturing Environment Creation
Teamwork
Reflective Practice
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for Early Years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives, especially those with complex needs.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in Early Years and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter!

Be Specific: In your application, be specific about your achievements and experiences. Use examples that demonstrate your understanding of child development and inclusive practices. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Manor Green School

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the EYFS framework and how it applies to children with complex needs. Brush up on your knowledge about supporting children with ASD and sensory needs, as this will show your commitment to inclusive practice.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led a team or implemented a successful curriculum in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively.

✨Connect with the Community

Research the school and its ethos before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of being a Centre of Excellence for students with special educational needs. Showing that you value teamwork and collaboration with families will resonate well.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to professional development or how they support staff in creating a nurturing environment. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.

Early Years and First School Lead in London
Manor Green School
Location: London

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