Early Years Lead Teacher

Early Years Lead at The King’s House School, Windsor

The King’s House School, Windsor is an independent Christian school for children from age 3 to 13, which offers an education incorporating academic excellence, character development, Biblical teaching and the positive experience of an affirming Christian community.

Our vision is to prepare the next generation to excel in their God given purpose and we want children to receive an education that prepares them to excel in life and fulfil their potential. The ethos of the school has been shaped by the vision and values of the church community, King’s Church International, out of which it has grown.  As such, the school ethos is spiritual, communal, innovative and outward looking encapsulated in our values of ‘faith’, ‘family’ and ‘future’.

We are currently looking for an Early Years Lead teacher for the Pre-school and Reception classes, who will take responsibility for the day-to-day work and management of the class and the safety and welfare of pupils during on-site and off-site activities and to take a lead in developing an outstanding Early Years Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To take the lead in planning, preparing and supervising activities for the Pre-school/Reception class pupils in line with the EYFS in order to create a stimulating environment for them, to meet their diverse needs and interests and to enable them to achieve the Early Learning goals.
2. To take the lead in maintaining individual records for each child based on observation and interaction, in order to track their progress in accordance with the EYFS framework and plan to extend their learning in all areas. This includes attending moderation meetings and ensuring the School’s Early Years records reflect best practice.
3. To take the lead in developing an outstanding Early Years Department by setting an example to other staff through own practice, working with the Headteacher to monitor and evaluate standards of pupils’ achievement, developing strategies to raise pupil attainment including those with particular needs, and keeping up-to-date with developments. 
4. To plan, teach and assess a designated area(s) of the curriculum, ensuring high quality and creative delivery, and organising and managing groups or individual pupils to ensure all pupils’ learning needs are met; to contribute to the development and coordination of areas of the curriculum to ensure pupils receive a rich, broad and balanced curriculum.
5. To work supportively and collaboratively with all other members of the team to provide an outstanding and safe learning environment for pupils. This includes actively promoting safeguarding and the welfare of pupils, implementing the School’s policies effectively, managing pupil behaviour effectively, contributing to decision-making on the preparation and development of policies and curriculum, and sharing responsibility with colleagues for maintaining resources and equipment, presenting children’s work and compiling interest areas and displays.
6. To provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for the pupils, including participating in assemblies, leading circle time, supervising children at break times and lunchtimes, assisting children with personal care needs in line with the School’s policies, seeking ways to further promote pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development and contributing to extra-curricular activities.
7. To contribute to and support the School’s Christian ethos and its visions and values, This includes modelling the teachings of Jesus in your life and behaviour as an example and inspiration to pupils and fellow teachers, playing a part in creating and managing a caring, supportive and stimulating environment for pupils, establishing high expectations and standards of learning and behaviour, and praying for the School’s ongoing work.
8. To take the lead in building strong links with parents and the wider school community. This includes communicating and reporting to parents on the development, progress and attainment of pupils through writing progress reports, attending parents’ evenings and keeping parent noticeboards up-to-date; contributing to church updates and taking the initiative to forge positive relationships with other schools/nurseries.
9. To manage and lead early years staff and volunteers in the classroom effectively. This includes working with the Headteacher to ensure the effective deployment of Early Years staff.  
10. To participate in staff meetings and training opportunities to keep informed of new legislation and best practice and to develop as a professional. This includes attending and contributing to weekly staff meetings, INSET days and other continuous professional development opportunities as required.  
11. To be flexible and provide cover for other staff where necessary
12. To maintain confidentiality and a professional approach at all times. 

The incumbent will, in the course of their work, handle church/school and personal information which is confidential or private. They are expected to keep such information confidential, and, if it is ever unclear whether information is confidential, to ask senior management.

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Committed to the values and aims of the organisation - This role requires the incumbent to uphold and contribute to the School’s Christian ethos and its vision and values, as well as contributing to the collective promotion of Christian standards in the workplace and to an environment of mutual Christian encouragement. All staff are expected to publicly promote and support all decisions of the Head Teacher and School Management Board.
2. Understanding and experience of working in Early Years - This role requires the incumbent to hold Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Significant previous experience of working with young children in a nursery or Early Years setting is essential.
3. A warm, caring and patient nature - The incumbent requires the ability to work with young children and their families in a sensitive and positive yet professional manner and to manage behaviour consistently in accordance with the School’s policy.
4. Good communication skills - This role requires the incumbent to communicate confidently with a wide range of people, including young children, their parents, staff and professionals from outside agencies.
5. A flexible, helpful & supportive attitude - With the School still at a developmental stage and having a small team, it is important that all staff share a pioneering spirit and show flexibility in helping to run and develop the School as an outstanding example of Christian education. The incumbent may be requested to provide cover for other classes or duties at times.
6. Committed to safeguarding and actively promoting the welfare of pupils - The King’s House School, Windsor is committed to actively promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children in its care. All staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. This role is subject to a successful DBS disclosure (obtained prior to appointment). 

If you are a Christian, passionate and experienced Early Years teacher committed to providing nurturing and enriching early education, we invite you to join the King’s House School, Windsor community.  Apply now by sending your CV and a cover letter to lharding@kcionline.org