At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant preschool, delivering high-quality early years education and supporting children's development.
- Company: St Edmunds Catholic Preschool, part of a supportive school community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a nurturing work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering a love for learning in children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives while leading an innovative team.
- Qualifications: Qualified in Early Years Education with leadership experience in early years settings.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 31022 € per year.
St Edmunds Catholic Preschool is looking for a Preschool Leader. St Edmunds Catholic Preschool and Extended Care provision is seeking to appoint an experienced, innovative and dedicated Early Years specialist who can lead the pre-school. The 26-place pre-school and before/after school clubs operate on term time only (38 weeks per year). The pre-school is a governor-led provision and part of St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School. You will work closely with the school’s Foundation Stage Leader who oversees the early years foundation stage, and be part of a supportive, hardworking team of five key staff including a room leader and dedicated administration staff. As the pre-school leader you will be the designated safeguarding lead and SENDCo. A strong inclusion team provides specialist support for speech and language development. The pre-school is located near the centre of Bury St Edmunds, housed in its own building within the school grounds and making use of the extensive school surroundings, including the forest school site. There is an extensive programme of continuing professional development for staff and a supportive parent community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the pre-school to deliver high quality early years education based on a Reggio Emilia approach.
- Plan, develop, and review curriculum and assessment plans for children aged 2-5.
- Recruit, train and supervise staff, providing leadership and performance management.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, safeguarding protocols, and SEND requirements as the safeguarding lead and SENDCo.
- Collaborate with the Foundation Stage Leader and inclusion team to support children’s development and wellbeing.
- Maintain effective communication with parents, staff, governors and external agencies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified in Early Years Education (PEEL, QCF, or equivalent) or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience in an early years setting, preferably as a leader or head teacher.
- Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach and current national curriculum standards.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills, with a proven ability to manage staff and resources.
- Excellent safeguarding knowledge, with experience in a safeguarding lead role.
- Good understanding of SEND provision and ability to act as SENDCo.
Additional Information
We are an equal opportunity employer. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Preschool Leader in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
St Edmunds Catholic Preschool is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and collaborative work environment in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive community, staff are encouraged to grow and innovate in their roles, particularly in leading high-quality early years education. The preschool's focus on inclusion and safeguarding ensures that every child receives the best possible care and education, making it a rewarding place to work for passionate educators.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Preschool Leader in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years education field. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to others. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your experience with the Reggio Emilia approach and your leadership skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your vision for creating a nurturing environment for children. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to their values.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Preschool Leader in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've implemented innovative teaching methods or supported children's development in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our Reggio Emilia approach and your leadership capabilities.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:As a Preschool Leader, you'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Include details about how you've recruited, trained, and supported staff in your previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Reggio Emilia Approach
Make sure you brush up on the Reggio Emilia approach to early years education. Be ready to discuss how you can implement this philosophy in your leadership role and how it benefits children's learning and development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you managed staff, handled performance issues, or fostered a positive team environment. This will demonstrate your capability as a Preschool Leader.
✨Understand Safeguarding Protocols
As the designated safeguarding lead, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of safeguarding policies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with safeguarding and how you would ensure a safe environment for the children.
✨Engage with Parents and Community
Think about ways you've effectively communicated with parents and external agencies in previous roles. Highlight your strategies for building strong relationships with families and how you plan to involve them in their children's education at the preschool.
