Head of Early Years (HEYFS)
Location: Gloucestershire
School: The King's School Gloucester
Type: Full-time
Hours: Full time
Reporting to: Head of Junior School
Required start: January / Easter 2026
Closing date: Tuesday 4th November, 12:00 noon
Interview date: Wednesday 12th November
Summary
As HEYFS you will lead a dynamic, creative and nurturing team at Little King's. With the autonomy to innovate across the Early Years curriculum, this role offers the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on children's learning and development.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and experienced Early Years leader to shape the very first stage of our pupils' educational journey. As Head of Early Years (HEYFS), you will lead a dynamic, creative and nurturing team at Little King's, ensuring that every child experiences a joyful, ambitious and carefully tailored start to school life. With the autonomy to innovate across the Early Years curriculum and a close connection to the wider school community, this role offers the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on children’s learning, development and love of discovery.
Main Duties
Teaching, Learning And Curriculum
* Lead the planning, delivery, and continuous development of the EYFS curriculum in alignment with the latest UK EYFS Framework;
* Champion Early Literacy and Numeracy development through targeted interventions and enrichment activities;
* Perform classroom teacher duties for the Reception year group;
* Oversee the delivery of Early Birds and Aftercare for Little King's pupils;
* Lead a two-week summer school programme focused on Early Literacy and Numeracy for children preparing for Reception or Year 1;
* Ensure continuity and progression between EYFS and KS1 through regular liaison and curriculum alignment;
* Create and manage the timetable for Little King's, ensuring balanced coverage of all EYFS areas of learning;
* Coordinate internal moderation and contribute to whole‑school strategic planning and curriculum development.
Assessment And Pupil Progress
* Oversee assessment, recording, and reporting of pupil progress, including Early Learning Goals and BASE assessments;
* Lead regular self‑evaluation processes and contribute to whole‑school improvement initiatives and the strategic development plan.
Inclusion, Safeguarding And Pupil Welfare
* Ensure inclusive practice and support for children with diverse needs, acting as SENDCo for Early Years and liaising with the Junior School SENDCo;
* Monitor and promote children’s welfare, safeguarding, mental health, and well‑being in collaboration with relevant school leaders.
Leadership And Staff Development
* Lead the Early Years team, managing deployment of staff to maintain optimal ratios and learning outcomes;
* Support staff development through supervision, training, appraisal, and mentoring, including phonics and EYFS pedagogy.
Pupil Recruitment And Community Engagement
* Collaborate with existing feeder nurseries and pre‑schools, and build connections with new partners and communities to support smooth transitions and recruitment;
* Engage actively in marketing initiatives, promoting the School's ethos, curriculum and achievements;
* Foster strong relationships with current and prospective parents to ensure sustained enrolment and a thriving, engaged Early Years community;
* Maintain clear communication with parents regarding curriculum, events, and pupil progress.
Management, Events And Administration
* Manage the Little King's budget and contribute to policy updates and handbook revisions;
* Organise and oversee key events such as the Nativity and Summer Production;
* Represent Little King's in meetings with SLT, JSLT, Governors, and external agencies;
* Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Headmaster or Head of Junior School.
Note
This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the job holder. This job description is illustrative of the general nature and responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all the activities that the HEYFS will carry out. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the level of the role as directed by the Head of Junior School.
Personal Profile
The successful candidate will be a qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with substantial experience in Early Years education. They will demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, a deep understanding of the EYFS Framework, and a commitment to inclusive education. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, a passion for early childhood development, and the capacity to inspire and support both staff and pupils. Experience in curriculum development, safeguarding, and working with children with diverse needs is essential.
Salary
The King's School offers its own salary scale, details of which can be discussed at interview. The salary will be commensurate with the significance of this role in a leading HMC school and will depend on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
* A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
* Generous fee remission for children at King's;
* Before / After School Care for children at King's;
* Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
* Staff Wellbeing Programme;
* Cycle to Work / Car scheme;
* Lunches;
* Parking.
Applications
Candidates should apply by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter to. A CV is not required. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 4th November at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Wednesday 12th November. However, early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing date, if appropriate.
Candidates are advised that the School is on half‑term break between 17th October and 3rd November; applications received during this time may experience a delay in their acknowledgement.
For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to .
Documents
* Application Form - Teaching Role DOCX Document
* King's Recruitment 2025 PDF Document
* Head of Early Years (HEYFS) - October 2025 PDF Document
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