Executive Headteacher in Kenilworth

Kenilworth Nursery School & Early Years Teaching Centre is seeking an Executive Headteacher for 2 outstanding Maintained Nursery Schools in Warwickshire (FT). This role would suit a highly experienced and ambitious Early Years Leader (must have QTS). The applicant will be passionate about early years education and the future direction of Maintained Nursery Schools as system leaders in birth to 5 provision. They will be committed to ensuring the Nursery Schools are the ‘right place at the right time’ for all children, including those with additional needs, with a clear understanding of what quality early childhood education looks like and how it is achieved.

Kenilworth and Whitnash Nursery Schools are linked by Federation. They are both outstanding and innovative Maintained Nursery Schools, each with their own character. Both Schools are inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia and take part in action research to continue to refine and develop the educational offer for young children, adapting and responding to the needs of the communities, including the development of a holiday club for working families. The Schools focus strongly on research-based practice and there are excellent opportunities for CPD, including support to gain NPQ qualifications and opportunities to be part of DfE, Best Start in Life projects. Ideally, the candidate will hold, or have an interest in acquiring, the NPQH qualification and will be supported through that process. The successful candidate will also have access to local and national networks for support and training.

These schools ‘put staff first’ and uphold a strong commitment to work/life balance, taking care of those who take care of the children. Recently, the schools have been case studied as Schools that achieve effective workload support and have a proactive caring ethos while maintaining high standards and outcomes. There is an excellent induction and support programme with access to a local mentor and supportive MNS national network. Ofsted recognised the schools as places “That open children’s eyes to learning” and their work has been called “innovative and nationally significant.” This post offers an interesting and cutting-edge phase to work within, where there is scope for a progressive offer for young children, and as a Leader, to be part of a dialogue to shape future early years education. Take the next step in your professional journey with us. Come and make a difference!

We strongly recommend visits from prospective candidates with an opportunity to speak with the team and the current Executive Headteacher, Rachel Gillett. Download an application pack from our school website or the DfE portal.

Responsibilities:

• Lead two exceptional Maintained Nursery School (MNS) teams and shape the direction of two outstanding schools.
• Ensure high-quality early years provision, including the development of provision for children with additional needs, and act as a system leader in birth to 5.
• Foster a culture that supports research-based practice and CPD opportunities, including NPQ qualifications and potential involvement in national projects.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Essential: QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
• The candidate should be passionate about early years education and committed to high standards.
• Ideally, the candidate will hold or be pursuing NPQH, with support to complete it.
• Access to local and national networks for support and training is desirable.

How to apply:

Visits warmly welcomed; contact Emma via admin1003@welearn365.com to book a visit. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 4th March. Presentations to be delivered: Thursday 12th March. Interviews in person: Tuesday 17th March.