Head of Early Years

Birkenhead School, founded in 1860, is an HMC independent day school providing education for boys and girls from the age of 3 months to 18 years, drawing from the whole of the Wirral and as far afield as Chester and North Wales. There are currently some 104 children in Early Years (57 in Nursery aged under 3 years old, 47 in our “Pre-Prep” aged 3 to 5 years old), 319 pupils in the School’s Prep (ages 5-11) and 424 pupils in Years 7 to Upper Sixth Form. Birkenhead School has been fully co-educational since September 2008, offering the choice of an independent education to all local children. Situated in the leafy suburb of Oxton, the School enjoys excellent facilities. The main campus has a ‘village green’ atmosphere, with classrooms and laboratories looking out over the cricket square.

We have a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced and inspiring professional to lead the Early Years provision.

The successful candidate will be an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) specialist, and an engaging, high quality practitioner having a track record of successful leadership and management. He or she should have a heart for children flourishing and developing in a fun environment, a natural welcome for families, a strong and supportive leadership style, and a head for the necessary supporting processes and policies. Being able to present a clear vision for the EYFS, the post holder will be able to maintain a nurturing and dynamic ethos within which children can discover and develop their gifts and talent.

The Head of Early Years manages the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Fun Club (after school) provision, and reports to the Head of Prep. Direct reports are the Lead Professional in Pre-Prep and the Deputy Manager in Nursery.

The Nursery is where our youngest children, from three months to three years, begin their journey of discovery and build the foundations for a lifelong adventure of learning. Our caring environment and small setting is where children develop in confidence, beginning to learn new skills and make friends with other children.

When the time comes, the move to Pre-Prep, the second phase in the Early Years provision, is a natural step for the children.  It is an exciting and fun environment with bright modern classrooms and its own outside play area and covered terrace.  

The Head of Early Years will be responsible for ensuring children come first in all aspects of the Early Years provision, working within the philosophy and objectives of Birkenhead School. They are responsible for leading, managing and further growing the Early Years provision in School, ensuring high standards of childcare and educational monitoring. They will have a strategic overview of the quality of Early Years provision, ensuring contribution from parents and staff to provide a safe, nurturing and dynamic environment to enable the emotional, social and educational development of the children, encouraging the flow from Early Years to Prep, whilst fostering close relationships with Senior School.