At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an engaging child development curriculum while mentoring colleagues.
- Company: Thriving academy with a commitment to excellence and creativity.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time or full-time roles, career progression, and supportive coaching programme.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal interests and contributions to extra-curricular activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and foster a vibrant learning environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in child development, QTS, and proven teaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic and driven individual to lead our child development at our thriving and high-achieving academy. This is a permanent, part-time role or full-time role with other teaching responsibilities, starting in September 2026.
As Subject Leader of Child Development, you will:
- Lead the development of an engaging and inclusive curriculum
- Foster a vibrant musical culture within the academy
- Support and mentor colleagues to deliver outstanding teaching
- Champion creativity, performance, and excellence
The successful applicant should be an inspiring and committed child development teacher with a strong academic background, a good degree in child development or a related subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will bring proven experience of teaching child development in a secondary school setting, along with the confidence to collaborate with external partners and mentor colleagues within the department. Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic and have high levels of commitment. They should be able to plan, deliver and assess high-quality learning experiences for all learners in their care and deploy a range of strategies to support their personal development. They should have an interest in new teaching and learning developments and possess a high degree of integrity. Experienced candidates should be able to demonstrate a highly successful track record of teaching the subject with strong examination outcomes.
In accordance with the job description for Subject Lead - Child Development, the key responsibilities will be as follows:
- To take full ownership for the management and upkeep of progress and attainment data for all their subject courses
- To monitor the progress of students following their subject courses, planning and implementing intervention as necessary to ensure students make at least expected levels of progress
- Ensuring that effective schemes of work are in place for each of their courses
- Ensuring that teachers know the prior learning and achievement of the students at the beginning of each of their courses
- Ensuring that teachers know the potential to achieve of the students based on prior achievement data
- Ensuring that school curriculum policies for assessment, setting, target setting, recording and reporting are enacted within their subject courses
- Ensuring that progression and continuity is achieved throughout all of their subject courses and between key stages
At Plume Academy, all teaching staff are expected to fulfil both an academic teaching role and a pastoral role by acting as a Tutor to a group of assigned students. This involves staff in all aspects of pastoral work including guidance, safeguarding, monitoring and encouraging progress, contact with parents, writing reports and compiling student references. Tutors also deliver part of Plume Academy’s Personal Development Programme.
Teaching staff are encouraged to contribute to the academy’s rich extra-curricular programme, and all candidates will be provided with the opportunity to discuss their personal interests at interview. As one of the largest educational establishments in Essex, there are many opportunities for career progression. Via an academy-wide coaching programme, staff are encouraged to take responsibility for their own career development, with full support and encouragement from their line managers and other relevant staff, including those responsible for staff training.
Subject Leader - Child Development employer: Plume School
Plume Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and excellence are championed. With a commitment to fostering an engaging curriculum and providing extensive support for career development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a rich extra-curricular programme. Located in Essex, the academy provides a dynamic environment for educators passionate about child development, ensuring meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Leader - Child Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work at Plume Academy or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent achievements. Show us how your vision for child development aligns with their goals, and don’t forget to highlight your past successes in teaching!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to showcase your teaching style, make it engaging and interactive. We want to see how you can inspire students and foster creativity in the classroom.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Leader - Child Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for child development shine through. We want to see how committed you are to fostering creativity and excellence in the classroom!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for someone with a strong academic background and proven teaching success, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and personal qualities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 at our academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plume School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the child development curriculum and any recent developments in teaching strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the development of an engaging and inclusive curriculum, as this will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Prepare examples of how you've supported and mentored colleagues in the past. Highlight specific instances where your guidance led to improved teaching outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a collaborative environment within the academy.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would manage and analyse progress and attainment data for your subject courses. Share your strategies for monitoring student progress and implementing interventions, as this is crucial for ensuring students meet their expected levels of progress.
✨Engage with Extra-Curricular Activities
Think about how you can contribute to the academy’s extra-curricular programme. Bring up any personal interests or activities you could lead or support, as this shows your willingness to engage with the wider school community and enhance student development beyond the classroom.
