Head of School - Early Childhood

Main purpose of the job

• To nurture the spiritual and anthroposophical life of the school, in collaboration with the College of Teachers

• To represent the school to the wider community by articulating and demonstrating the vision and mission of Waldorf education

• Under the overall direction of the Principal, to play a major role:

          -in formulating the aims and objectives of the school and establishing the policies through which they are to be achieved

          -for the standards and curriculum of all pupils, including monitoring progress towards achievement

          -in the efficient and effective management of staff and resources

• To take on the responsibilities of the Principal as agreed and appropriate in the absence of the Principal

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Faculty-specific roles and responsibilities:

Early Childhood Children Attendance & Staffing

• Monitor attendance, ensure morning registers are completed, and follow up on absences or lateness.

• Arrange cover for staff absences and maintain setting ratios 

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Report maintenance or health & safety concerns to the Maintenance Team or Director of Finance.

• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety and Food Hygiene policies.

Budget & Resource Management

• Plan, allocate, and monitor the Early Childhood budget in alignment with the Whole School Development Plan.

• Bid for additional resources to support future development.

Special Educational Needs & Inclusion (EY SENCO)

• Collaborate with the Head of Inclusion on SEN legislation and practice.

• Ensure all staff understand and implement SEN policies.

• Oversee day-to-day SEN provision, record-keeping, and decision-making processes.

• Support and advise staff on SEND matters.

• Engage parents in the SEN process and ensure access to necessary support and information.

• Liaise with the Local Authority and external professionals on individual cases and wider strategic issues.

Safeguarding & Child Protection (EY DSL)

• Liaise with the School’s DSL and refer safeguarding concerns to the relevant authorities.

• Participate in inter-agency meetings and strategy discussions.

• Ensure child protection files are transferred when children leave.

• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, including the Prevent Duty.

• Maintain accurate and secure safeguarding records, supporting staff in using CPOMS effectively.

• Monitor CPOMS entries with professional curiosity to ensure robust safeguarding practice.

Marketing & Outreach

• Work alongside the Marketing Manager to promote Early Childhood education through articles, social media, and networking.

• Represent the school in outreach events and partnerships to enhance visibility.

• Engage parents and the wider community in the school’s vision and values.

Early Years Sector-Specific Regulatory Compliance

• Promote high-quality play-based learning in line with Early Years pedagogy.

• Ensure compliance with EYFS statutory requirements and Ofsted expectations.

• Lead reflective practice and professional development for Early Childhood staff.

• Foster strong parent partnerships, ensuring smooth transitions for children.

• Champion inclusive practice, ensuring all children can access learning opportunities.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with County Council Early Years Services including SEN, Funding, and Advisory Services

• Formulate and implement policies that align with the school's vision and promote continuous improvement in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Ensure Early Childhood meets all legal and statutory requirements, including health and safety regulations and early years standards.