Head of EYFS at Durham International Schools

Job Description

The Head of Early Years is responsible for providing effective and inspirational leadership to the Pre-Prep School. Success in the role will require a deep passionate interest in the well-being and personal development of each and every child, with the ability and skills to encourage and support students, staff and parents.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategy of the Pre-Prep School and be an excellent role model to all
• Promote and deliver a shared vision and mission for the Pre-Prep School in line with Durham Kenya’s ethos, aims and objectives
• Lead the continued development and growth of the school
• Ensure the achievement of excellent educational and pastoral standards
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and of the staff
• Run the school safely, efficiently, effectively and in a way that is financially sound
• Forge strong relationships with the local community and other Durham schools
• Coordinate the annual performance management process and staff appraisal for all teaching and non-teaching staff
• Determine the Professional Development needs of the Pre-Prep School team in collaboration with the wider Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure the Head of Prep is kept informed of progress and any issues that arise
• Drive continuous improvement in line with best practices and regulatory standards

Key Accountabilities

• Develop the academic, extra-curricular and pastoral life of the school and ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care
• Lead curriculum development and change
• Have high expectations, and recognise and promote excellence in teaching and learning throughout the whole school
• Lead developments in personalising learning and teaching to ensure all students’ learning and wellbeing needs are met
• Instigate, plan and manage change effectively
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Prep and the Directors
• Promote excellent working relations among and between staff and students
• Work with and build relationships with the wider school community, particularly parents
• Promote and market Durham effectively to prospective parents and other audiences
• Keep abreast of educational trends and ideas, refining the school’s vision and practice
• Ensure all policies are compliant with current legislation and regulations, and are reviewed annually
• Recruit, retain, develop, motivate and manage staff
• Mentor, support and develop all staff in the Pre-Prep School and oversee delivery of effective performance management strategies
• Lead effective professional development for teachers
• Ensure that there is consistency, coordination, good communication and high standards across the EYFS and Y1 classes.
• Ensure effective transition occurs between PG-FS1, FS1-FS2 and FS2-Year 1.
• Ensure parents are consistently well informed, including overseeing newsletters, curriculum overviews and curriculum-based events and leading parent coffee mornings.
• Lead weekly Teacher meetings with the EYFS and Y1 teams
• Attend weekly SLT meetings run by the Head of Prep School 

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Oversee the care, wellbeing and safeguarding of all students.
• Undertake Level 3 child protection and safeguarding training and act as the Designated
• Safeguarding Lead for the Pre-Prep School
• Oversee all school systems of recording and reporting concerns regarding student welfare, including child protection and safeguarding, bullying and behavioural concerns.
• Play an active and encouraging role in the transition and admission of new students to the school.
• Support, monitor and guide new students during arrival to the school.
• Consistently communicate with parents, acting as the first point of contact.
• Monitor student attendance, punctuality and progress using school systems including the school’s management information system.
• Encourage students to have high standards in dress, attitude and behaviour.
• Read and advise on written reports for the Year Groups before adding the Head’s comment and publishing to parents. 
• Attend trips and outdoor educational activities to support students’ personal development.
• Actively participate in the school’s House System.
• Admissions and Marketing
• Review all admissions into the Pre-Prep School and meet with parents and their child before enrolment
• Lead Open Days for prospective parents for the Pre-Prep School in collaboration with the Admissions Manager
• Hold online meetings with out-of-country parents to tell them about the school and answer any questions
• Lead school tours of the Pre-Prep School for prospective Parents in and out of term time as required
• Liaise with the marketing and social media team to share news and images for the promotion of the Pre-Prep School
• Collaborate with the Admissions Manager in the assessment of new students for placement/admission purposes. 

Other Roles

The successful candidate will:

• Teach some classes in an area of specialism
• Lead assemblies

Person Specification

Education and Experience

• Have an undergraduate degree with a teacher training qualification
• Have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience and a track record of delivering high quality
• Early Years and KS1 education in a similar setting
• Have 2 years proven experience of leading and managing staff, encouraging, supporting and
• challenging colleagues in a similar setting
• Have a valid Teacher Services Commission (TSC) Certificate (if applying from Kenya) or a PGCE, QTS or a general education degree (for overseas applicants)
• Be a skilled classroom practitioner with good subject knowledge and an awareness of teaching methodologies
• Proven ability to inspire professional respect and integrity necessary to support teachers and leaders in their work
• Experience of working in an international setting is preferred