Deputy Head of Curriculum (Term Time)

Summary of the Role

You will be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, who supports the Head of Curriculum with the continuous improvement of teaching and learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage, by encouraging consistency of practice and the implementation of initiatives that are complimentary to and enhance the ethos and values of the nursery. As this is a classroom-based role, you will be expected to share your time between the duties of a class teacher and the responsibilities that come with the role of Deputy Head of Curriculum.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You are required to:

• Be committed to, and responsible for, the safeguarding of children.
• Have a sound understanding of the EYFS.
• Be highly organised and accurate in observations and assessment of children’s development and progress.
• Be committed to developing a love of learning, whilst also implementing a structured environment to ensure that each pupil develops at an appropriate pace through differentiated planning and teaching. This should incorporate effective use of our outdoor learning spaces and ensure the high quality of learning is sustained.
• Have experience in leading and managing classroom staff assigned within the room. You would be expected to take an active role in the supervision of their paperwork and support them in developing their professional skills. 
• Support colleagues as necessary and work cooperatively as part of a team, attending all meetings and INSET.
• Attend parents’ evenings to discuss pupils’ progress with parents alongside the manager.
• Liaise with other teachers in parallel classes to ensure consistency and outstanding practices across the curriculum.
• Be an exceptional team player who is used to working in a busy environment with a large staffing team, including full time extra-curricular staff (P.E., Drama and Music).
• Uphold and promote the ethos and values of the nursery.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead by example. Adhere to professional code of conduct and an appropriate dress code.
• Maintain a flexible approach to work in response to the needs of children and families. This may include evenings or weekends.
• Ability to understand and consistently apply aspects of educational legislation, such as Every Child Matters, Safeguarding procedures etc.
• Together with the Head of Curriculum, lead and support all classes with the implementation of a challenging, innovative, and exciting EYFS curriculum, enabling the children to flourish and achieve their full potential.
• Ability to successfully use a range of management strategies to bring about change at a whole nursery level.
• Support the Head of Curriculum with the assessment and monitoring of children’s progress within the EYFS and ensure clear learning targets are mapped to the Birth to Five Matters so that all learners have the opportunity and continue to succeed beyond their age and stage of development.
• Together with the Head of Curriculum, support the qualified teaching team in the process of monitoring and evaluating EYFS curriculum areas in line with agreed nursery policies and procedures, including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria.
• Support the Manager, Deputy Manager and Head of Curriculum in undertaking termly observations of all staff, to continually assess their skills in relation to teaching, planning and observations – directly linked to the curriculum.
• Ability to organise the team so that all members develop their leadership and management skills.
• Support the Manager, Deputy Manager, and Head of Curriculum to evaluate aspects of the nursery in a strategic way and contribute to planning the nursery’s next development steps.
• The ability to initiate, manage, monitor, and evaluate change within the nursery in order to improve practice.
• Ability to maintain and raise standards within the Early Years.
• A clear understanding of how to facilitate equality of provision (resources and teaching) across the nursery.
• Ability to work successfully in a leadership and management team.
• Adhere to confidentiality and information sharing protocols and to be aware of the Data Protection Act 2018 in order to maintain records and archive systems in accordance with procedures and statutory requirements.
• Participate in the training of other professionals and Early Years Practitioners, such as working with senior room leaders to instigate action/training plans for staff members that fail to meet the high standards expected by Clowns, in relation to teaching and learning practices.
• Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required within the scope of the post from time to time.
• Support the Manager, Deputy Manager, and Head of Curriculum to embed a growth mindset within the nursery.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Two-Year Progress Checks

The Deputy Head of Curriculum must support the Deputy Manager in overseeing the whole Two-Year Progress Check (TYPC) programme, including working with the administration team to oversee the administration of this process.

ECT Co-ordinator Responsibilities

• To engage with the programme content in order to support and mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
• Provide guidance and effective support for the ECT’s professional development.
• Carry out regular progress reviews throughout the induction period.
• Ensure that the ECT is regularly observed, and feedback is provided.
• Take prompt and appropriate action if an ECT appears to be having difficulties.
• Be the point of contact for any concerns or queries your ECT's may have on the programme.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Pastoral to create a collaborative approach in supporting the ECTs.

Essential Requirements for the Role

Candidates must:

• Have a relevant degree (e.g. QTS in Primary Education), Early Years Teacher Status or a full and relevant Level 5 Qualification (or above).
• Have experience working within Early Years.
• Have a sound knowledge and understanding of, and be able to comply with, the EYFS.
• Have an awareness and growing understanding of Ofsted requirements, particularly Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Have a registered DBS certificate on the update service or have adequate documents to make an application.
• Be committed to equality and diversity.

Person specification

• Demonstrate strong observation, planning, and assessment skills to maintain high-quality learning.
• Be enthusiastic and confident in ability to engage children and extend their learning through play, facilitating their emotional, social, and educational development.
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate a team.
• Ability to reflect on the professional practice of oneself and that of colleagues.
• Exceptional organisational skills, including the ability to plan your own time effectively to ensure deadlines are met.
• Articulate, with outstanding communication skills.
• Display a high level of commitment, drive, and passion for the role.
• An excellent team player who takes initiative and is used to working in a busy environment.
• Maintain high expectations and employ a creative approach to teaching within the classroom.