Head of Year - Reception

Head of Reception
Kensington and Chelsea
September 2025
MPS/UPS +TLR

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Head of Reception to lead our Reception team, ensuring an inspiring and nurturing start to school life for our pupils.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the Reception provision at Bassett House, working within a well-resourced, supportive, and forward-thinking school.
We welcome applications from experienced early years leaders or ambitious teachers ready to take the next step in their career, bringing creativity, expertise, and a commitment to excellence in early education.

Responsibilities:
•    Take a proactive role in leading the Reception provision by inspiring and supporting colleagues by demonstrating excellent teaching practice, strong communication, and a collaborative approach. 
•    Develop and deliver creative, age-appropriate lessons aligned with the EYFS curriculum and Early Learning Goals to foster holistic development. 
•    Upholding and promoting the Dukes Teachers’ Standards, ensuring that all pupils receive an exceptional education. These standards reflect a commitment to academic excellence, pastoral care, and the continuous pursuit of best practice. 
•    Vigilantly implement safeguarding policies, ensuring a secure, supportive environment where every pupil feels safe and valued. 
•    Regularly assess and record pupil progress, using observations and assessments to inform tailored teaching strategies and future planning. 
•    Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of pupil development and behaviour, and provide timely, clear progress reports to parents and school leadership. 
•    Build strong, collaborative relationships with parents by regularly updating them on their child’s progress, addressing concerns, and supporting home learning. 
•    Work closely with colleagues to share best practices, contribute to schoolwide initiatives, and maintain consistency in teaching and safeguarding across the school. 
•    Continuously review and adapt teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of pupils and to reflect changes in early years educational standards. 
•    Actively participate in school community events, fostering a sense of belonging and partnership among pupils, parents, and staff. 
•    Engage in ongoing professional development to stay informed about the latest educational research, methodologies, and safeguarding practices.

Person Specification:
•    Qualifications & Education: 
•    Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., QTS, PGCE, or equivalent), with a strong background in early years education. 
•    Additional qualifications or training in leadership and management are highly desirable. 
Experience: 
•    Significant experience teaching in a reception or early years setting, ideally within an independent prep or state primary school. 
•    Experience of Read, Write, Inc. 
•    Demonstrable experience in curriculum planning and delivery in accordance with the EYFS framework and Early Learning Goals. 
•    Proven track record in a leadership or managerial role, with some team management and staff development experience. 
Skills & Knowledge: 
•    Comprehensive understanding of the EYFS framework, Early Learning Goals, and the ethos of independent schooling. 
•    Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff. 
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues. 
•    Proficient in assessment and reporting, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to use data to inform practice. 
•    High organisational skills with the capacity to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment. 
•    Familiarity with modern teaching technologies and digital tools that enhance learning experiences.

If you are interested in this opportunity, interviews & lesson observations can be arranged immediately!!

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. You will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed.
The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and employment will be subject to references. 
This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
To apply for this opportunity your detailed CV to Clarus Education now to be considered. We will be contacting those shortlisted within 48 hours of an application.
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