Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery

The Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery is a key member of the senior leadership team (SLT) leading on all aspects of the Pre-Prep and Nursery with support from the curriculum coordinators. The Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery will have proven strategic planning experience, will be a capable leader with exceptional relationship and communication skills. Success of the role is measured against the following criteria:

·        Maintaining positive pupil numbers.

·        Ensuring a high standard of teaching and learning and quality pastoral care.

·        Fostering strong relationships with current and prospective parents.

·        Building and leading a high performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic planning

• Contribute to the strategic planning of the whole school to ensure we are striving towards achieving our vision.
• Accountable for creating and implementing the vision and strategy for the Pre-Prep & Nursery, in line with the wider school vision and strategic plan.
• Accountable for the Pre-Prep & Nursery budget including resourcing the department adequately.
• Create and manage resource plans for the department in liaison with HR and the Bursar.

Teaching & Learning

• Oversee the departmental curriculum plan with support from the Coordinators and Nursery Manager, that is innovative and inclusive and reflects the ethos, mission and values of Copthorne Prep School.
• Demonstrate a commitment to CPD for staff, supporting development plans and maintaining best practice.
• Prepare for inspections and oversee ‘self-evaluation’ plans for the department.
• Accountable for the parent consultation schedule and report writing a regular flow of meaningful communication between home and school.
• Ensure that parents are given regular information about the school curriculum, the progress of their children and other matters affecting the Pre-Prep and Nursery.
• Demonstrate high quality teaching on a reduced timetable.

Management

• Responsible for the direct line management of the Nursery Manager, EYFS and year 1 and 2 Coordinators, Pre-Prep & Nursery Administrator and teaching and learning staff.
• Deliver lesson observations, performance appraisals and monitor development plans for staff.
• Ensure the expected standard of pupil behaviour is clearly embedded into routines and managed in line with the wider school policy.
• Ensure staff adhere to the staff code of conduct and manage day-to-day performance issues with the support of HR.
• Advise and support staff when dealing with matters involving parents, pupils or colleagues.
• Deal with complaints sensitively and according to the Copthorne Preparatory School’s complaints procedure.
• Build and nurture positive relationships with parents.
• Support the delivery of key school events such as parent consultation evenings, open mornings, information evenings and parent workshops.
• Attend meetings of the Copthorne Preparatory School Year Representatives Committee and support the Pre-Prep and Nursery representatives.
• Oversee the transition through the school in particular the nursery to reception and year 2 to year 3 transition with both parents and children.
• Attend any Governors meeting as and when it is deemed appropriate by the Governing Body.
• In conjunction with the Head, provide a written report to the Governors on developments in the Pre-Prep and Nursery.
• Assist with admissions of children into the department in conjunction with the registrar.
• Develop opportunities to raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the Pre-Prep and Nursery at Copthorne Preparatory School.
• Support partnership work with the local community and schools as well as other independent schools within the West Sussex cluster.

Pastoral care

• Undertake the roles of Deputy DSL and main EYFS DSL.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including safeguarding to ensure a safe environment for pupils, parents and staff.
• Continuously work with other DSLs to review the safeguarding culture and implement plans for improvement.
• Undertake relevant training and provide information to other staff.
• Lead pastoral meetings with the Pre-Prep staff and coordinate with the Nursery Manager about any pastoral concerns.
• Work with the SENDCO staff to ensure early monitoring of children so that any difficulty/problem is identified and dealt with at all levels and in a timely fashion.

Person Specification

• Qualified teacher with experience of leadership and management in a similar sized school or role.
• Passionate, inspirational, and committed professional that has sound knowledge and experience of EYFS and the needs of pupils across the Pre-Prep age range.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience of building and leading a high performing team.
• Sound understanding of the commercial and financial aspects of schools.
• Proficient IT skills such as outlook, word, excel.
• Acts as a role model for our school values.
• Works collaboratively and supportively with colleagues across all aspects of the school.
• Emotional resilience to cope with and learn from challenging situations.
• Commitment to personal development and CPD.
• Unwavering high standards with a desire constantly to improve.
• Respects and values the different experiences, ideas and backgrounds others can bring to teams.