Head of Early Years Foundation Stage in Basildon

We are seeking an outstanding Head of EYFS to lead and develop our Early Years provision from September 2026. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced Early Years practitioner who combines excellent pedagogy with confident leadership, high expectations and a deep understanding of children's needs. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team to shape the strategic direction of the EYFS, while remaining firmly rooted in day-to-day practice and strong partnerships with staff and families.

Woodford Green Preparatory School is a thriving, values-led independent school where children are known as individuals and learning is taken seriously from the very beginning. As Head of EYFS, you will join a supportive and ambitious leadership team that values professional expertise, reflection and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to lead a phase that is central to the life of the school and to shape the earliest experiences of learning in a nurturing, high-achieving environment.

Our Early Years classrooms are language-rich, purposeful and enabling, with learning shaped through high-quality adult interaction, play and exploration. The role includes:

• Leading and developing the EYFS team;
• Monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment;
• Overseeing transition into Key Stage 1;
• Ensuring statutory and regulatory requirements are met;
• Building strong, trusting partnerships with parents.

You will also contribute to wider whole-school priorities as part of the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring children make excellent progress through playful, purposeful learning and high-quality teaching.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status and a good degree (or equivalent).
• Substantial EYFS teaching experience (minimum 6 years) with a secure understanding of the EYFS statutory framework.
• A clear, well-articulated Early Years pedagogy rooted in curiosity, talk, play and exploration, with skilled adult interaction and high expectations, securing strong foundations in communication and language, early reading, writing, number and personal development.
• Confident in using observation to guide next steps and shape responsive provision.
• Proven experience of leading and developing an EYFS team, including coaching colleagues and securing consistency of practice.
• Strong skills in monitoring teaching and learning, assessment and transition, including effective use of EYFS Profile information.
• The ability to build excellent relationships with parents through clear, professional and warm communication.
• A commitment to safeguarding and sound systems, recognising that calm routines, clarity and consistency underpin children's wellbeing, independence and learning.
• The confidence to contribute at Senior Leadership Team level and support whole-school improvement.

Desirable

• Experience of teaching in KS1.
• Experience of presenting to governors or contributing to strategic reporting.
• Further professional study (e.g. NPQ, MA) or leadership experience in the independent sector.

At Woodford Green Preparatory School, we believe the early years matter deeply. They are where curiosity is nurtured, confidence is built, and the foundations for lifelong learning are laid.