HEAD OF EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS)

THE ROLE

A very rare and exciting opportunity has arisen at WCPS.

We are seeking to appoint a Head of EYFS from September 2026 or January 2027, for the right candidate. The school is at a very exciting crossroads as we are preparing to go co-ed in September 2027 whilst expanding our pupils numbers

The successful candidate will:

Be part of the Senior Leadership Team and their responsibilities will be to:

• Undertake the professional duties of a teacher, a head of year group and Early Years Lead.

• Show a commitment to the school’s values, policies, philosophy and ethos

• Maintain a professional and personable demeanour while nurturing effective relationships with colleagues, pupils and parents.

• Lead the EYFS department through the ISI inspection process while remaining up to date with the EYFS statutory framework.

• Work closely with the admissions team and play a pivotal role in pupil recruitment and facilitate our WCPS bespoke Getting to Know You Process

• Conduct regular reviews of our WCPS EYFS curriculum and oversee the Reception baseline assessments

• Brief and update colleagues on relevant policy and practice through meetings and workshops

• Monitor and evaluate learning and teaching in Early Years through looking at learning environments, planning, talking to students and visiting lessons

• Enrich the curriculum through arranging educational visits and guest speakers

• Take responsibility for ensuring high quality teaching provision throughout the EYFS alongside the Deputy Head academic

• Ensure curricular policy development is focused on continuous provision

• Alongside the Head of Learning Enrichment, ensure all EYFS children are able to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities and that they make good progress from their starting points

• Ensure all requirements for EYFS including assessment arrangements/ expectations are met

• Role model excellent planning and delivery of their own teaching.

• Lead parent workshops

• Participate in Open Days

• Conduct supervision meetings with the EYFS team

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils

• Ensure that a high standard of care for pupils is consistently maintained,

• Hold the role of the EYFS Safeguarding lead and attend safeguarding supervision meetings with the DSL and DDSL

• Ensure parents/carers are well-informed about the EYFS curriculum as well as their child’s progress and potential areas for development

• Complete the weekly EYFS newsletter

• Prepare the EYFS parts of board reports

• Contribute the School Self Evaluation and the School Development plan

• Alongside the head recruit EYFS staff

• Undergo relevant paediatric first aid, L3 safeguarding and safer recruitment training.

• Oversee as weekly SLT duty overseeing the extra-curricular clubs and late care.

The head of EYFS will first and foremost be an outstanding teacher by:

• Inspiring and challenging young children through planning, preparation and delivery of excellent lessons.

• Ensuring that marking, recording, assessment and reporting meet the academic and pastoral needs of each individual child.

• Offer outstanding pastoral care and support, providing the children with a secure environment in which they can learn.

• Having the ability to build good relationships with children, parents and colleagues and demonstrate effective communication skills. Patience, flexibility, a commitment to teamwork and a sense of humour are essential attributes.

• Take a leading role in the development of a subject area,

• Be willing to contribute to our extensive programme of extra-curricular activities.

Key teaching responsibilities

• To provide a stimulating, challenging, well-organised and inspiring classroom environment

• To plan appropriately on a short- and medium-term basis, to meet the needs of all children

• To set clear, measurable targets to ensure children’s learning progresses

• To keep efficient tracking and progression records including formative and summative assessment

• To report to parents on the development, attainment and progress of their child

• To take responsibility for the development of a curriculum area

• To deliver curriculum sessions to parents and teaching staff

• To manage behaviour through positive reinforcement and role-modelling

• To participate in meetings as and when required

• To lead, direct and communicate effectively with support staff within the classroom

• To communicate and cooperate with external agencies as and when necessary

• To take responsibility for finding opportunities in which to further their professional development

• To observe, both formally and informally, other teachers within the school

• To be able to work in a team, whilst also being able to use their own initiative

• To share responsibility for the development and pastoral care of all children in the school

• To demonstrate excellent organisational and time- management skills 3

THE PERSON

Person specification:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Early Years Teacher Status (EYFS), or equivalent

• Degree-level qualification

• Extensive understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 curriculum Experience (Essential)

• Experience teaching or working with children

• Experience planning and delivering exciting, engaging, age-appropriate lessons

• Experience using play-based and child-centred approaches to learning

• Experience of observing, assessing, and tracking pupil progress

• Experience of creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.

• Experience in a pre-prep or independent school setting (Desirable)

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, EAL, or additional needs

• Experience working closely with teaching assistants and support staff

• Experience teaching or working with children aged 3-7

• Experience/Knowledge of the 7+ process

• Experience of running a subject area

• Experience working in a co-educational setting (Desirable)

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum.  Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

To apply for this role, please apply online via our website WIMBLEDON COMMON PREPARATORY SCHOOL (under useful information / career opportunities).  You will be asked to fill an online application form which includes a covering letter. You will have to email a completed application form in Microsoft Word format.

 Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 9am

Interview date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

 King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.