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