Head of EYFS

About St James Preparatory SchoolSt James Prep School is a co-educational IAPS day Prep and Nursery School for children aged 2-11. An oasis of calm in bustling Kensington, the school is resourced with enviable outside space (including a forest school), a fully resourced teaching kitchen, science labs and an ICT Suite.The Good Schools Guide describes the School as, ‘Unique. A relaxed, yet focused atmosphere unlike any we have encountered elsewhere.’Our NurseryThe Nursery is a bright open-plan space with access to its own little adventure playground, mud kitchen and sandpit, as well as the little forest in the park.Thanks to a varied curriculum and specialist teaching in Performing Arts, Music and Language, children have the chance to develop their own unique talents in a nurturing and inspiring environment.OverviewWe are looking for a creative, caring and passionate Head of EYFS to join our dynamic team. You will have a robust knowledge of the EYFS curriculum, coupled with good communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. You must be highly motivated and have a positive attitude towards working with children.The successful candidate will undertake the professional duties of a teacher and Early Years Lead, demonstrating a strong commitment to the school’s values, policies, philosophy and ethos while maintaining a professional and personable demeanour that nurtures effective relationships with colleagues, pupils and parents. They will lead the EYFS department through the ISI inspection process, ensuring full compliance with the EYFS statutory framework, and will regularly review the EYFS curriculum, oversee Reception baseline assessments and brief colleagues on relevant policy and practice through meetings and workshops.The role includes monitoring and evaluating learning and teaching across Early Years by reviewing learning environments, planning, pupil voice and lesson visits, as well as enriching the curriculum through educational visits and guest speakers. The candidate will take responsibility for ensuring high-quality teaching provision throughout the EYFS alongside the academic lead, ensuring curricular development is rooted in continuous provision and that all children make strong progress from their starting points. They will ensure all EYFS assessment requirements are met, role-model excellent planning and teaching, lead parent workshops, participate in Open Days and conduct supervision meetings with the EYFS team.A key aspect of the role is to promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils, ensuring consistently high standards of care and maintaining strong communication with parents and carers regarding the curriculum, children’s progress and areas for development. Additional responsibilities include completing the weekly Reception Class newsletter, contributing to the School Self-Evaluation and School Development Plan, and holding or undertaking relevant paediatric first aid training.How to ApplySt James Schools does not accept curriculum vitaes, so please submit your online application form by clicking the Apply button or email the completed St James Schools application form to office@stjamesprep.co.uk by the closing date.Closing date: Midday on Friday 15 May 2026.Interview dates will be agreed directly with applicants, and the School reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process.St James Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of