Head of Early Years Centre

Job Title: Head of Early Years Centre
Line Manager: Head of Lower School

Purpose of Job
• Work alongside a Lead Class Teacher to support the delivery of quality Teaching and Learning, and to help raise standards of achievement for all pupils.
• Undertake work, care and support programmes that enable pupils to access the curriculum.
• Assist the Lead Class Teacher in the Behaviour management and teaching of pupils.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and those connected to the school to share this commitment.

Duties and Responsibilities
Overall Responsibilities
• Promote high standards in all aspects of school life, particularly in students’ personal and academic progress.
• Actively support the vision, ethos, culture and policies of the school.
• Inspire and motivate students, teachers and other school employees.
• Comply with the professional duties of the Harrow staff Code of Conduct.
• Contribute to a school culture which is positive, purposeful and professional.
• Engage positively in the school Appraisal process and performance management arrangements.
• Be committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Leading Learning and Teaching
• Liaise with colleagues across school to ensure smooth transition of pupils between year groups/phases.
• Lead the development of a first-class learning environment that encompasses the key requirements of the EYFS.
• Coordinate the learning activities and play-based programmes for both inside and outside areas.
• Employ effective and innovative methods for the collection of developmental data.
• Set a model of excellence in classroom practice throughout the phase.
• Liaise with Lower School Curriculum Coordinators to ensure phase is well resourced.
• Carry out all the duties of a class teacher when necessary for cover.
• Undertake a yearly cycle of self-evaluation and improvement planning on the delivery of the curriculum.
• Track student progress, monitor standards of learning and teaching in order to set realistic academic targets for pupils.
• Stay abreast and contribute to research relevant to the Early Years.
• Seek opportunities for inter-school collaboration and moderation.

Developing Staff
• Line manage Early Years staff.
• Lead appraisals of relevant staff members and facilitate CPD through providing training and support.

Wider Responsibilities
• Coordinate curriculum timetables (in liaison with the Head of Lower School) and rotas such as break times and assemblies and ensure staff follow the expectations and rules.
• Deal proactively and in a timely manner, with parental concerns.
• Be an integral part of the leadership team assisting in the leadership of the whole of Lower School.
• Build strong relationships with parents and assist in the coordination and delivery of parent curriculum meetings and/or workshops as appropriate.
• Lead assemblies.
• Monitor the welfare of all pupils.
• Coordinate Early Years admissions.
• Arrange (and sometimes provide) cover for all classes and keep records of absence. Collegiality
• Lead by example and set high and realistic expectations in all professional matters, ensuring that all staff and pupils observe matters such as dress, behaviour, punctuality, attendance and mutual support.
• Maintain a teaching load appropriate to the position, including participation in extra-curricular activities as appropriate, and as agreed with the Head Master/Mistress.
• Ensure that staff and pupils commit to supporting learning through the school’s VLE and other relevant platforms.
• Take a fair and appropriate share of duties and act as a Duty Supervisor for Early Years.
• Although not a member of a particular House, attend House activities as well as Expeditions as required.
• Together with the Head Master/Mistress, manage staff disciplinary issues effectively and in a timely manner.

Communications and Public Relations
• Actively establish good relations with parents and all other visitors to the school.
• Present a coherent and accurate account of the school’s performance in formats appropriate to a range of audiences.
• Oversee the organisation of and attend academic parents’ evenings and be available to meet parents as required.
• Oversee the production of reports, working with the Heads of Phase and Key Stage Leaders and ICT Services.
• Communicate closely with parents and ensure that pupil progress is regularly reported, and relevant data is always available.
• Support and attend all major school events.
• Work to maintain effective partnerships with the community, promoting and representing the school at local, national and international level.
• Operate effective communication channels throughout the school.

Safeguarding
• Take seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and to work together with others to ensure adequate arrangements within the school help to identify, assess, and support children who are suffering harm.
• Ensure the ongoing Health & Security for all Early Years stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Lower School and any duties that the Head Master/Mistress deems necessary for the effective operation of the school.

Requirements
Education, Training and Qualifications
• Appropriate degree, with UK PGCE, or other teaching qualification giving QTS.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.
• Working knowledge of the National Curriculum of England including EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

Knowledge and Experience
• At least 2 years senior leadership experience.
• Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs, especially EAL in early childhood/ primary school stage.
• Experience in managing performance of staff, especially senior or middle level managers.
• Experience in highly effective relationship management with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience or clear understanding of early childhood/ Lower School stage leadership in an international school environment.
• Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development and its impact on behavior.
• Knowledge and understanding of positive behaviour management of students and evidence effective practice in a range of settings.

Personal Qualities
• Have the ability and willingness to inspire others; leading by example, role modelling the school’s vision statement: Leadership for a better world.
• Be a role model for the Harrow Staff Code of Conduct.
• Be flexible and capable of managing change and instilling high standards.
• Be highly motivated, ambitious and collaborative and willing to take the initiative.
• Have high levels of honesty and integrity in aspects of their role.
• Demonstrate empathy, humility and genuine care about staff and pupils, taking time to support, guide and motivate them.
• Be able to think strategically and drive improvements in pupil welfare and their wider learning experiences.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate strategic leadership and the ability to lead and manage a team to deliver the school development plan effectively.

Other
• A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check (for applicants who have never worked in UK) and no question regarding suitability to work with children.