Head of EYFS

ISC group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Small class teams

Hybrid CPD access

Flexible working considerations

Job summary

Caelum House School and Play2Talk Nursery (Blue Sky Autism Project) in London is seeking a Head of Early Years to lead EYFS across two sites. You will plan, deliver and personalise play-based learning for 0–5s, while coaching staff and collaborating with parents to support each child’s development.

The role emphasises multidisciplinary teamwork, safeguarding, and embedding evidence-informed approaches to communication and sensory needs. Immediate start preferred.

Qualifications

• QTS with EYFS or early years classroom experience.
• Leadership and Management experience within a nursery or EYFS provision.
• Belief in child-led, play-based pedagogy and a strengths-first mindset.
• Experience supporting pupils with communication differences and sensory profiles; autism-supportive practice desirable.
• Reflective, organised and data-informed; strong communication and teamwork.
• Committed to safeguarding; Enhanced DBS (or eligible) and registration with the Update Service required.

Responsibilities

• Manage our early years settings and teams across both sites.
• Design and deliver high-quality EYFS provision with clear, sequenced learning and formative assessment.
• Differentiate for communication, sensory and social needs; embed visual supports and regulation strategies.
• Integrate therapy goals from NDBI, SCERTS, PRT into daily routines and continuous provision.
• Track progress against individual targets and contribute to reviews and reports.
• Create a safe, inclusive, communication-rich environment that celebrates progress.
• Work in partnership with parents and external professionals.
• Contribute to safeguarding, behaviour and whole-school development.

Skills

QTS EYFS

Leadership

Play-based pedagogy

Communication teamwork

Safeguarding / DBS

Data-informed

Education

QTS

Job description

Head of Early Years

Caelum House School and Play2Talk Nursery (Blue Sky Autism Project)

London SW7

Contract type: Full-time (part-time/flexible considered)

Contract term: Permanent

Start date: Immediate

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience + pension

Suitable for: Early career teachers (ECTs) and experienced teachers

Phase: Primary (Early Years / EYFS)

Age range: 0-5

About Caelum House School and Play2Talk Nursery

Caelum House School and Play2Talk nurseries are nurturing specialist provisions created by Blue Sky Autism Project.

We offer bespoke, play-based early education and communication support for children aged 0-11.

Our settings are joyful, child-led and grounded in evidence-informed practice, integrating NDBI, SCERTS, PRT, DIR/Floortime and sensory integration strategies.

The role

We are seeking a compassionate, creative EYFS teacher to head up our early years provisions across both locations. You will support the management of, planning and delivering of engaging, play-based learning tailored to each child’s needs, working closely with our multidisciplinary team and partnering with parents through modelling and coaching.

Key responsibilities

• Manage our early years settings and teams across both sites

• Design and deliver high-quality EYFS provision with clear, sequenced learning and formative assessment.

• Differentiate for communication, sensory and social needs; embed visual supports and regulation strategies.

• Integrate therapy goals from NDBI, SCERTS, PRT into daily routines and continuous provision.

• Track progress against individual targets and contribute to reviews and reports.

• Create a safe, inclusive, communication-rich environment that celebrates progress.

• Work in partnership with parents and external professionals.

• Contribute to safeguarding, behaviour and whole-school development.

What we’re looking for

• QTS with EYFS or early years classroom experience.

• Leadership and Management experience within a nursery or EYFS provision

• Belief in child-led, play-based pedagogy and a strengths-first mindset.

• Experience supporting pupils with communication differences and sensory profiles; autism-supportive practice desirable.

• Reflective, organised and data-informed; strong communication and teamwork.

• Committed to safeguarding; Enhanced DBS (or eligible) and registration with the Update Service required.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NDBI, SCERTS, PRT, DIR/Floortime or similar early intervention approaches.

• Experience in specialist, ASN or SEND settings.

• Additional training in speech, language and communication needs.

What we offer

• Small classes with high adult to child ratios and individualised learning.

• Supportive, mission-led team with multidisciplinary expertise.

• High-quality CPD and coaching, including access to Play2Talk programmes.

• Opportunities to contribute to research, outreach and training.

• Family-friendly policies and consideration for flexible working.

Safeguarding

Blue Sky Autisml is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Appointments are subject to satisfactory references Enhanced DBS checks.