Year 1 Class Teacher

Essendene Lodge School; Tandridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded independent preparatory school in the UK is seeking a passionate Year 1 class teacher for a full-time maternity cover starting February 2026. The school caters to children aged 2-11 and emphasizes a varied curriculum that includes French, Music, and Drama. Responsibilities include inspiring students, planning lessons, and providing feedback to parents. Competitive salary and benefits, including professional development, pension scheme, and health plan are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual review

Ample professional development opportunities

Career and salary progression

School fee discount

Pension scheme

Health plan with significant coverage

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a friend scheme up to £750

Westfield rewards

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to learning.
• Experience of teaching in Key Stage 1.
• A passion for teaching this age group.

Responsibilities

• Inspire children with enthusiasm and a love of learning.
• Prepare and plan for teaching according to children’s abilities.
• Provide feedback and guidance to pupils and their parents.

Skills

Sound knowledge of the KS1 curriculum requirements

Ability to inspire children to reach their full potential

Experience of teaching phonics

Education

QTS

Job description

Essendene Lodge School is looking to recruit a passionate and inspirational Year 1 class teacher to join their wonderful school and nursery based in Caterham, Surrey. This is a maternity cover, full‑time role starting in February 2026. Our independent preparatory school and nursery caters for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, offering a small‑class ethos and a varied curriculum that includes French, Music, Sports, Drama, computing and experience activities such as Musical Theatre, Drama, debating and more.

Responsibilities

• Inspire children with enthusiasm and a love of learning by delivering high‑quality learning that engages our pupils.
• Prepare and plan for teaching, taking account of the requirements of children of all abilities.
• Prepare and develop teaching materials, programmes, methods of teaching, assessment and pastoral arrangements.
• Provide feedback and guidance to pupils and their parents in an engaging way that encourages continuous learning at home.

Requirements

• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to learning.
• Sound knowledge of the KS1 curriculum requirements.
• Ability to inspire children to reach their full potential.
• Experience of teaching in Key Stage 1.
• A passion for teaching this age group.
• Experience of teaching phonics is an advantage.
• QTS and a demonstrated passion for children's learning.
• Willingness to undergo child‑protection screening, DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks, employment checks and to provide two satisfactory references.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual review.
• Ample professional development and training opportunities, including ongoing coaching from the senior leadership team.
• Prospect of career and salary progression as the business grows.
• Commitment to professional and career development.
• School fee discount.
• Pension scheme.
• Refer a friend scheme up to £750.
• Health plan with significant coverage (optical, dental, dental accident, chiropody, therapy treatments, health club concession, access to a doctor line worldwide, scanning such as MRI, CT, PET).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Westfield rewards (discounts from various high street and online outlets).

Application Process

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than advertised. Applications should be submitted online via the application link provided. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis as applications are received. Essendene Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.