* St Edmunds Catholic Preschool
* Address: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1QG
* Salary: £31,022 pro rata
* Hours: 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year (term time plus 2 weeks)
* Contract: Permanent (Required from 1 September 2026)
* Reference: 8987
St Edmunds Catholic Preschool is looking for a Preschool Leader.
St Edmunds Catholic Preschool and Extended Care provision is seeking to appoint an experienced, innovative and dedicated Early Years specialist who can lead the pre‑school. The 26‑place pre‑school and before/after school clubs operate on term time only (38 weeks per year). The pre‑school is a governor‑led provision and part of St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School.
You will work closely with the school’s Foundation Stage Leader who oversees the early years foundation stage, and be part of a supportive, hardworking team of five key staff including a room leader and dedicated administration staff. As the pre‑school leader you will be the designated safeguarding lead and SENDCo. A strong inclusion team provides specialist support for speech and language development.
The pre‑school is located near the centre of Bury St Edmunds, housed in its own building within the school grounds and making use of the extensive school surroundings, including the forest school site. There is an extensive programme of continuing professional development for staff and a supportive parent community.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the pre‑school to deliver high quality early years education based on a Reggio Emilia approach.
* Plan, develop, and review curriculum and assessment plans for children aged 2‑5.
* Recruit, train and supervise staff, providing leadership and performance management.
* Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, safeguarding protocols, and SEND requirements as the safeguarding lead and SENDCo.
* Collaborate with the Foundation Stage Leader and inclusion team to support children’s development and wellbeing.
* Maintain effective communication with parents, staff, governors and external agencies.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified in Early Years Education (PEEL, QCF, or equivalent) or equivalent experience.
* Extensive experience in an early years setting, preferably as a leader or head teacher.
* Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach and current national curriculum standards.
* Strong leadership and organisational skills, with a proven ability to manage staff and resources.
* Excellent safeguarding knowledge, with experience in a safeguarding lead role.
* Good understanding of SEND provision and ability to act as SENDCo.
Additional Information
We are an equal opportunity employer. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
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