Job Description
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Senior Leader / Head of Early Years Foundation Stage
Leadership Scale L1-L3
Full Time | Permanent
Start Date: September 2026
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, South Woodham Ferrers, part of the Diocese of Brentwood, is seeking to appoint an inspirational and committed Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to join our Senior Leadership Team. This exciting opportunity has arisen following the retirement of our highly respected and successful Senior Leader of EYFS, who has led the early years provision with great dedication and impact over many years.
We are looking for a passionate early years leader who will continue to build on this strong foundation and further develop our thriving EYFS provision, which is accessed by 2, 3, 4 year olds, following the Early Excellence approach.
About Our School
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled community where children are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually and socially. Our Catholic ethos underpins all aspects of school life and we are proud of the strong partnership between pupils, staff, parents, governors and our parish community.
Our Early Years provision is a vibrant and important part of the school. Recently we have introduced a popular and growing pre-school provision for two-year-olds, which has been warmly embraced by families in the local community. Due to the success and expansion of this provision, the school is currently planning a new purpose-built early years facility, that will be open all year round, which will further enhance the learning environment for our youngest children. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping this exciting stage of development.
The Role
The EYFS Senior Leader, will lead and manage all aspects of early years provision across the school, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care. The role includes leadership of Pre-School & Reception. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the post holder will contribute to the strategic leadership and development of the whole school. The successful candidate will ensure that provision fully meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework while reflecting the Catholic mission and values of the school.
Key Responsibilities
Catholic Leadership
Promote and support the Catholic ethos and mission of the school.
Foster a nurturing environment where Gospel values are evident in daily practice.
Work closely with the Headteacher, governors and parish community to support the spiritual life of the school.
Strategic Leadership
Provide clear vision and leadership for the EYFS phase.
Contribute to the strategic direction of the school as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Lead the development and implementation of EYFS priorities within the School Development Plan.
Teaching and Learning
Model excellent early years teaching practice.
Lead and support staff in delivering high-quality provision for all children.
Ensure stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments that support child-led and structured learning.
Curriculum Development
Lead the development of an ambitious and engaging EYFS curriculum.
Ensure strong foundations in communication, language, early reading, writing and mathematics.
Support smooth transition into Key Stage 1.
Assessment and Outcomes
Lead assessment processes including the EYFS Profile.
Monitor pupil progress and ensure strong outcomes for all groups of pupils.
Use data effectively to identify priorities and improve provision.
Staff Leadership
Lead, motivate and develop the EYFS team.
Provide professional support, coaching and mentoring.
Promote collaborative and reflective practice.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare.
Maintain full compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements.
Ensure safe and nurturing learning environments for all pupils.
Parent and Community Partnership
Develop strong partnerships with parents and carers.
Ensure effective communication about children's progress and wellbeing.
Build relationships with local early years providers and community partners.
Development of Early Years Provision
Lead the continued development of the school's growing two-year-old provision.
Contribute to the planning and development of the new early years building project.
Ensure that facilities and resources support high-quality early years education.
Information about the School
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is situated in the heart of South Woodham Ferrers. We are a 1 form entry school with some small classes.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Any offer of employment is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.