EYFS Teacher - Prep School

St Helen’s is an academically selective independent girls’ day school of more than 1200 students aged 3-18, set in beautiful green space in Northwood, Middlesex. 

THE PREP SCHOOL

Caters for approximately 490 girls aged 3-11 years.

Structure:

The Head of Prep School is supported by a Deputy and Assistant Head and there are leaders with responsibility for each Phase of the Prep School: EYFS (Nursery & Reception), KS1 (Years 1 & 2), LKS2 (Years 3 & 4), UKS2 (Years 5 & 6).

There are separate Subject Leaders in English and Mathematics with other Subject Leaders having responsibility across the Primary Phase.

EYFS and Key Stage 1

The pre-prep Section of the School is based in two buildings which have been tastefully converted into spacious, age-appropriate accommodation. Girls enter St Helens EYFS at 3+ (which comprises three Nursery classes of 16), with a further 12 girls joining at 4+ (making three Reception classes of 20). They are housed in Little Gables. Years 1 and 2 have three classes each of 20 pupils and they are based in Gables.

EYFS and KS1 consists of approximately 230 girls aged from three to seven years. The broad and balanced education which we provide caters for each girl as an individual in terms of her personal, social, and emotional development and engenders academic potential through play, exploration, active learning, creativity, and critical thinking.  Each individual is encouraged to be self-motivated and independent, and students thrive in this secure and happy environment.  Every class in these stages benefit from the support of a full-time Teaching Assistant. There are also Welfare Assistants who are part of Nursery and Reception at St Helen’s. Catering for the girls and staff is provided within St Helen’s by a dedicated team, managed by an experienced chef manager.

The curriculum provides a firm foundation on which to build in KS2 and beyond. In Nursery and Reception, the teachers follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation stage. In KS1 & KS2,  the teachers follow the National Curriculum as a basis, but extend and broaden this as appropriate in order to provide further challenge. Girls also learn Ballet and French.

There is a Library in each building, containing an extensive stock of fiction and non-fiction books. We encourage the girls to develop both library skills and an appreciation and love of literature through reading and visiting the library regularly. We have invested in ICT provision and the girls have access to laptops and iPads.

Before and after-school Co-Curricular activities are regarded as an essential part of the girls’ experience from KS1. All teachers are expected to run a club each term. There are also very active School and Eco-School Councils.

THE POST

St Helen’s Prep school is looking to appoint a Full Time permanent EYFS Teacher to start September 2023.

The role will report to: EYFS Phase Leader

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

All teachers are expected to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning by:

·        Preparing and delivering challenging and differentiated lessons

·        Setting homework in accordance with the school’s homework policy

·        Marking work in accordance with the school’s marking policy

·        Using all available data and information to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate programme of study.

·        Having a good understanding of the curriculum they are following.

·        Keeping up to date with developments in the teaching of their Key Stage

·        Keeping up to date on current thinking around child development, teaching pedagogy and metacognition

·        Take a full and active role in the Co-Curricular programme.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes:

·        A good honours degree in a relevant or associated subject with QTS.

·        Experience of working across the EYFS phase

·        A love of teaching and learning and a commitment to further professional development

·        Be able to work well with others and develop the curriculum through collaborative planning.

·        Excellent classroom practice with experience of teaching in the EYFS

·        Detailed understanding of current developments in the EYFS

·        Be able to lead learning in their classroom, develop each child and demonstrable passion for each subject.

 It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes: 

•     A teaching qualification such as PGCE (or equivalent)

•     Evidence of further professional development

•     Knowledge and experience of how technology can be used to support learning

•     A Forest School leader qualification with a passion for outdoor learning

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am Friday 24th February 2023

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2022 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact the school at recruitment@sthelens.london