Reception Class Teacher

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dolphin School is a co-educational, independent, preparatory day school and nursery for children between the ages of 3 and 13.

We offer children the freedom to learn through the guiding principles of discovery, challenge and our unique curriculum. This hands-on approach to education, together with our extensive day and residential trip programme brings classroom studies to life and encourages academic excellence and self-confidence.

Our school is a wonderful place to work. Staff are friendly and collaborative, and the school's informal and progressive approach adds to the warm and welcoming atmosphere with the school. Staff are encouraged to show initiative and "think outside the box".

Dolphin School is situated in the rural Berkshire village of Hurst, just off the A4 between Reading and Maidenhead.

DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO: Head/Head of Early Years

Dolphin School is seeking to appoint a full-time passionate Reception teacher with a desire to work in a progressive, active and happy school. We welcome applications from Early Years Teachers who would like to join our friendly team. Our Reception Class forms part of our Pre-Prep for pupils aged 3-7. Please note for the right candidate, there may be a management role in Pre-Prep.

In addition to our well-resourced Early Years department, our pupils have the opportunity to take part in activities including dance, PE, music, swimming and Forest School. Our days are filled with fun, adventures and learning through play.

Reporting line: Head of Early Years/Headmaster

Qualifications and Skills:

• QTS status or relevant qualification and meet the approved ‘full and relevant’ criteria for Early Years qualifications in an Early Years Setting as stated by The Department for Education (DfE)
• Previous experience working within Early Years.
• Passion for working with young children and supporting their holistic development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to use initiative, be adaptable and embrace the outdoor learning environment.
• Knowledge of Early Years frameworks and regulations.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is enthusiastic about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Job Purpose:

To teach our Reception class within our vibrant Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which forms an integral part of our Pre-Prep Department. The EYFS forms the foundation block of our happy, thriving co-educational school with excellent facilities. The successful candidate will have secure knowledge of the EYFS Framework and will be able to deliver lively, active and inspirational lessons to our young children. 

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Teaching Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with the Head of Early Years to plan and deliver a full, exciting and fun packed curriculum for Reception aged pupils, in line with the School’s curriculum and the EYFS Framework
• Prepare and plan appropriate programmes of learning for children ensuring pupils learn at a level consistent with their ability
• Provide an effective learning environment which values active exploration and play, indoors and outside
• Plan and deliver continuous and enhanced provision which reflects the Prime and Specific areas, whilst encouraging pupil independence, indoors and outside
• Ensure a high level of classroom presentation through resources, displays and organisation
• Assess and record pupil progress within the Prime and Specific areas relating to the Early Learning Goals, Development Matters and the Characteristics of Effective Learning
• Create a triangle of trust between pupils and their family so each child feels known, understood, cared for and safe
•  Provide outstanding pastoral care for the children in the class and throughout the school
•  Familiarise self with medical, SEND and any individual needs of children including those with protected characteristics
•  Build a strong, supportive professional relationship with the Teaching Assistant/s assigned to the class, encouraging their participation in planning, assessment and reporting
• Reporting to parents through the form of the daily handover, parent evenings and termly reports
•  Lead/take part in off-site trips, ensuring attention to trip policy and procedures

General Duties:

• Prepare resources, including photocopying, art materials, outdoor provision and cooking ingredients etc.
• Undertake additional duties such as lunchtimes, playtimes and wrap around care in accordance with the Pre-Prep rota
•  Ensure classroom and surrounding indoor and outdoor areas are well presented and left clean and tidy
• Play an active role in the extra-curricular life of the school, including occasional weekend and evening events
• Serve, support and supervise the children during lunch
• Attend relevant meetings as required by the Head of Early Years/Head of Pre-Prep
• Provide medical care to children who have taken ill/ have accidents
• Record all accidents and first aid incidents in line with the school policy and report to parents where required
• Attend regular Safeguarding and update Paediatric First Aid training when required
• Appreciate the need for flexibility if other members of staff are absent
• Work with colleagues, parents, visitors and pupils in a professional manner which is conducive to and promotes the agreed aims and values of the school, including respecting and maintaining confidentiality
• Participate in termly Supervision meetings with the Head of Early Years (or Head of Pre-Prep in her absence)
• Participate in professional development activities and take responsibility for own professional development.

All staff are expected to:

• Follow the School’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures and to ensure the wellbeing of all pupils is their highest priority
• Contribute to the day-to-day running of the School and follow its policies and procedures, having due regard for the Health and Safety of self and others
• Take an active role in ensuring the realisation of the School Development Plan
• Treat each pupil and each other as an individual with courtesy and respect
• Use and implement all school policies and procedures.

Personal Attributes

• Clear understanding and belief in the ethos of Dolphin School
• Professional, combined with a warm and approachable personality
• Open to new ideas and have the ability to reflect, review and learn as appropriate
• Able to work independently with initiative and as part of a team
• Able to remain calm under pressure and the ability to meet deadlines when necessary. It is impossible to list every task you may be required to undertake in this job description, and you may be asked to undertake any reasonable duties as may be required from time to time.

Please complete our Dolphin Application Form (with this advert) and send together with a covering letter, to Kate Spooner, Head's PA at headspa@dolphinschool.com.

Closing date: Monday 24 March

Interviews will take place as soon as possible, and may take place before the closing date of this advert.

Hours of Work: Full time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start date: 1 September 2025