Primary Teacher - EYFS Lead

Wickersley Partnership Trust; Rotherham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Wickersley Partnership Trust is seeking an EYFS Lead to drive the vision and curriculum across the Early Years unit. You will model high-quality teaching, mentor staff, and build strong partnerships with families to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

You will lead assessment, track progress, and coordinate safeguarding and inclusion across the team, while shaping innovative, play-based learning environments. Strong leadership and EYFS expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
• Evidence of continuous leadership or early years professional development is desirable.
• Proven track record of outstanding EYFS teaching and experience leading a team.
• Strong knowledge of the statutory EYFS framework, child development, and assessment methods.

Responsibilities

• Drive the EYFS vision, quality of education, and continuous improvement across the unit.
• Model outstanding teaching and lead a play-based curriculum.
• Lead on tracking pupil progress and implement interventions.
• Mentor EYFS staff and support safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with families and external agencies to build partnerships.
• Lead professional development and contribute to collaboration initiatives.

Skills

QTS

Leadership

Curriculum design

Staff mentoring

Assessment tracking

Communication

Safeguarding

Inclusion SEND

Education

QTS and 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 exceptional EYFS Lead to 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.