Reception Class Teacher (EYFS)

ARK SCHOOLS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Higher salaries

Generous pension

Ark rewards

Interest-free loans

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

ARK SCHOOLS in London is seeking a passionate Reception Class Teacher to start January 2027, delivering high-quality early years practice with a focus on language, independence, curiosity and early numeracy. You will lead phonics and early reading, collaborate with EYFS colleagues to strengthen Reception provision at Ark White City, and help pupils progress confidently to Year 1.

The role offers a supportive environment with professional development and a comprehensive benefits package,

Qualifications

• EYFS practitioner with strong understanding of child development.
• Ambitious teacher with high expectations for young children.
• Experience delivering high-quality early reading and phonics.
• Ability to weave taught knowledge into meaningful learning experiences.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality early reading and phonics to Reception pupils.
• Support development of children's early writing and mathematical understanding.
• Weave taught knowledge and themes into meaningful opportunities for practice.
• Prepare pupils for Year 1 and strengthen Reception provision with EYFS colleagues.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Phonics instruction

Language development

Classroom management

Job description

About The Role

Start date: January 2027

Closing: Wednesday 11th November

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Interviews: Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th November

You will be instrumental in our mission to provide every pupil with a great education and real choices in life, regardless of their background. As one of our Reception Class Teachers, you will play a vital role in giving children a confident, ambitious and joyful start to their school journey.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate EYFS practitioner who combines a strong understanding of child development with high expectations for what young children can achieve. You will create a Reception environment where purposeful play, exploration and carefully structured teaching work together to develop children's language, independence, curiosity and early academic foundations.

A key part of the role will be delivering high-quality early reading and phonics, alongside developing children's early writing and mathematical understanding. Through our Explorer Time and wider continuous provision, you will skilfully weave taught knowledge and carefully chosen themes into meaningful opportunities for children to practise, apply and deepen their learning.

You will balance the very best of early years practice with a clear focus on strong outcomes and preparation for Year 1. This means knowing when children need time to explore, talk and investigate, and when explicit teaching, practice and repetition are needed to secure important foundational knowledge and skills.

Working closely with EYFS colleagues and wider school leaders, you will help continue to strengthen our Reception provision as Ark White City grows. This is a role for an ambitious teacher who wants to create a classroom full of curiosity and joy, while ensuring every child leaves Reception confident, successful and ready for the next stage of their education.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards - a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest‑free loans - up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts - offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme - providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at https://arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/ .

About Us

Ark White City Primary Academy offers a genuinely exciting opportunity for teachers who want to work in a school with both strong moral purpose and exceptional potential. Opened in September 2023, the academy brings together two existing schools as one two‑form entry primary in a brand-new building at EdCity in the heart of White City.

Staff benefit from a thoughtfully designed environment with excellent resources, including flexible breakout spaces, specialist areas and high-quality outdoor provision. Our early years spaces provide rich opportunities for purposeful play, language development, exploration and independence. As part of Ark, colleagues also benefit from a culture of personalised professional development, high expectations and continual learning, making this an excellent setting for teachers who want to refine their practice and grow as leaders.

Ark White City is a growing and ambitious school community built on a belief that every child can succeed. We are a happy and welcoming school where pupils are well cared for, relationships are strong and children feel safe, known and valued. Our mission is rooted in ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, develop the knowledge, confidence and character to go on to lead successful lives.

This is a particularly exciting time to join our Early Years team. As the school continues to establish its identity, culture and curriculum, the Reception Teacher will have a meaningful opportunity to shape the journey for our youngest pupils and contribute to the development of excellent EYFS practice across the academy.

Staff work collaboratively and with purpose, united by a shared commitment to securing excellent outcomes for every child. This is a school where the work is meaningful, the expectations are high and the opportunity to make a lasting difference is real.

Visit arkwhitecity.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone - staff and students - can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark's diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Safeguarding statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark's safer recruitment process, please click this link.