Primary Teacher - EYFS Lead

Foljambe Primary School; Dalton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Foljambe Primary School is seeking an EYFS Lead to shape the Early Years provision, drive standards, and lead a collaborative team. You will model high-quality practice, mentor staff, and partner with families to ensure every child reaches their potential.

The role focuses on strategic vision, curriculum design, assessment, and safeguarding within a nurturing environment. Strong leadership and communication are essential as part of our school community.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree; evidence of leadership development is desirable.
• Proven track record of outstanding EYFS teaching and experience leading a team and curriculum delivery.
• Knowledge of the statutory EYFS framework, child development and assessment methods.
• Strategic thinker with strong communication, high emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: drive overall EYFS vision, education quality and improvement.
• Teaching, Learning & Curriculum: oversee planning and delivery of a play-based EYFS curriculum.
• Assessment & Pupil Progress: lead on tracking progress and report outcomes to SLT.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: mentor EYFS staff, conduct peer observations, drive professional development.
• Pastoral Care & Safeguarding: oversee wellbeing, safeguarding, health and safety protocols.
• Inclusion & SEND Support: work with SENCO on EHCPs and inclusive provision.
• Environment & Learning Spaces: maintain vibrant indoor/outdoor learning spaces.
• Family & External Collaboration: build home-school partnerships with families and agencies.
• Professional Development: participate in leadership training and EYFS research.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Team mentoring

Emotional intelligence

Inclusive leadership

Education

QTS

Relevant degree

Job description

About the Role

Are you an inspiring, strategic, and dedicated practitioner ready to lead Early Years provision? We are looking for an exceptionalEYFS Leadto drive educational standards, foster a nurturing and stimulating environment, and lead our collaborative team so that every child reaches their full potential.

As EYFS Lead, you will play a key role in shaping young minds during their most formative years while steering the vision, curriculum design, and assessment across the Early Years foundation stage. You will model exemplary classroom practice, mentor staff, and build strong partnerships with families to set the benchmark for high-quality education and care.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision:Drive the overall vision, quality of education, and continuous improvement across the EYFS unit. Monitor the implementation of the EYFS framework to ensure a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum.

• Teaching, Learning & Curriculum:Model outstanding teaching and learning. Oversee the planning, preparation, and delivery of an engaging, play-based curriculum that inspires curiosity and challenges pupils across all learning areas.

• Assessment & Pupil Progress:Lead on tracking, analysing, and reporting pupil progress across the EYFS. Implement intervention strategies for children needing additional support and report outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

• Team Leadership & Mentoring:Direct, mentor, and support EYFS teachers and support staff. Foster a collaborative environment, conduct peer observations, and facilitate targeted professional development within the team.

• Pastoral Care & Safeguarding:Oversee pastoral care and emotional well-being across the unit. Ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, strictly adhering to all safeguarding protocols and health and safety requirements.

• Inclusion & SEND Support:Work closely with the SENCO to identify learning or developmental needs early. Support the implementation of EHCPs and ensure provision is adapted so all children can thrive.

• Environment & Learning Spaces:Oversee the continuous creation of vibrant, high-quality indoor and outdoor learning environments that stimulate independent learning and exploration.

• Family & External Collaboration:Lead communication with parents and carers to build robust home-school partnerships. Work collaboratively with external agencies, health professionals, and Trust-wide networks.

• Professional Development:Actively participate in leadership training, keep up to date with EYFS research and statutory guidance, and contribute to WPT’s school-to-school collaboration initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Qualifications:Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree (or higher). Evidence of continuous leadership or early years professional development is highly desirable.

• Experience:Proven track record of outstanding teaching within EYFS, alongside successful experience (or clear readiness) in leading a team, managing curriculum delivery, and tracking pupil progress.

• Knowledge:Expert understanding of the statutory EYFS framework, child development, assessment methods, and current educational research.

• Attributes:A strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills, high emotional intelligence, a patient and nurturing approach, and a commitment to inclusive leadership.