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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create outstanding learning experiences for children with SEND.
- Company: Join a nurturing specialist school committed to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive colleagues, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Flexible start date and a vibrant professional community await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced EYFS practitioner with a passion for inclusive practice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring early years practitioner with a passion for creating outstanding learning experiences for children with SEND? Are you ready to join a dynamic, highly skilled middle management team, making a real difference every day? We are seeking a motivated and talented EYFS Leader to join our specialist school on a maternity cover contract. This is a unique opportunity to take on a rewarding leadership role within a nurturing, forward‑thinking environment where every child is truly valued.
About the Role
- Full time
- Start Date: May 2026, may consider flexibility for a September start
- Deadline to apply: 9am 15th April 2026
This is a non‑class‑based leadership and management role. As EYFS Leader, you will:
- Provide strong leadership and management across our Early Years department, ensuring high‑quality provision tailored to the needs of our learners.
- Work closely with a highly specialist and experienced team of middle leaders who are passionate, collaborative, and committed to excellence.
- Drive curriculum development, assessment, and pedagogy that reflect best practice in early childhood education and specialist SEND support.
- Play a key role in shaping an engaging, safe, and aspirational early years environment.
- Share with the SLT a responsibility for providing quality assurance in all the school’s activities.
About You
- Is an experienced EYFS practitioner with a strong understanding of early childhood development.
- Has proven leadership skills or is ready to take the next step into a leadership role.
- Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusive practice and supporting children with a wide range of additional needs.
- Is enthusiastic, reflective, resilient, and ready to contribute to a vibrant professional community.
- Can inspire and motivate others while maintaining high expectations for pupils and staff.
In return for your dedication and enthusiasm, we offer excellent professional development opportunities, supportive colleagues, and a welcoming, collaborative environment that values professional growth and promotes innovation.
How to apply
Be part of an exceptional specialist team where expertise is shared, celebrated, and continually developed, we invite you to complete a school application form, available to download above. Completed application forms should be sent to recruitment@abbeyschool.com with a covering letter addressed to: Ms Kelly Holloway, Deputy Principal. Alternatively, application forms with covering letters can be sent by post to Abbey School, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU. Please be advised that we only accept fully completed application forms.
The School will complete an online search for all shortlisted candidates. If any incidents or issues have happened that are publicly available online, the school may wish to explore this at interview. Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Child safer recruitment procedures operate and the post is subject to references and an Enhanced DBS disclosure with barred list checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are ‘spent’ unless ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, sex, pregnancy and maternity, marriage/civil partnerships, religion/belief, or sexual orientation.
EYFS Leader (Maternity Cover) in Chester employer: School & College
Contact Detail:
School & College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EYFS Leader (Maternity Cover) in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years leadership and SEND. We recommend role-playing with a friend or colleague to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace EYFS Leader (Maternity Cover) in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion for creating outstanding learning experiences, especially for children with SEND, can make a difference in our school.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your leadership skills and experience in inclusive practice. We’re looking for someone who can drive curriculum development and inspire others, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your covering letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of why you’re the perfect fit for the EYFS Leader role. Remember, we only accept fully completed application forms!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our exceptional team right from the start.
How to prepare for a job interview at School & College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in early childhood development and SEND practices. Brush up on the latest curriculum developments and be ready to discuss how you can implement best practices in your role as EYFS Leader.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired others or driven change, especially in an educational setting. This will demonstrate your readiness for a leadership role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Inclusivity
Since this role focuses on supporting children with additional needs, come prepared with specific strategies or experiences that showcase your commitment to inclusive practice. Highlight how you’ve adapted learning experiences for diverse learners.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s approach to early years education and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.