About Us

Eaton Bray Academy is at the heart of our village community, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment for children and families. We are on an exciting journey to create an amazing preschool that champions child-led play, creativity, and exploration. Our vision is to establish a setting where every child thrives, our friendly team feels valued, and families are partners in their child’s learning journey.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and forward-thinking Preschool Lead who will play a key role in shaping and developing this journey. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your own ideas and help shape the future of our preschool alongside our Early Years Lead.

The Role

The Preschool Lead will be instrumental in delivering high-quality, child-centered early years provision. You will inspire and lead a dedicated and friendly team, fostering a culture of curiosity, play, and learning. By working in close partnership with the EYFS Lead, families, and the wider school community, you will ensure that every child receives the best possible start to their education. 

Key Responsibilities

Child-Led Learning and Play:

• Champion a play-based, child-led approach to learning, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inspiring.

• Create a rich and stimulating environment where children feel confident to explore, investigate, and learn at their own pace.

• Observe and assess children’s progress to support their individual needs and interests, ensuring every child is challenged and supported to achieve their potential.

• Create magical moments for children every day.

Leadership and Team Support:

• Lead, motivate, and support the friendly preschool team, fostering a collaborative and positive working culture.

• Oversee daily operations of the preschool, ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe delivery of provision.

• Work closely alongside the EYFS Lead and school leadership team to ensure alignment with the school’s overall vision and policies.

• Work with the EYFS lead to ensure that practice adheres to the statutory EYFS framework and assessments, including the progress check at 2 Years.

Strong Partnerships with Parents and the Community:

• Build and maintain close, trusting relationships with parents, ensuring they are fully involved in their child’s learning and development.

• Communicate effectively with families, providing regular updates and offering support and guidance where needed.

• Promote the preschool within the local community, ensuring it is recognised as a high-quality, nurturing provision for early years education.

Quality Improvement and Development:

• Play a central role in shaping our preschool’s ongoing development, working proactively to create an amazing and ambitious setting.

• Bring your own ideas and creativity to help shape the future direction of the preschool.

• Regularly review and evaluate practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing positive changes.

• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety, and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards.

• Work with colleagues to quickly identify and support children with SEND needs.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A relevant Early Years qualification (Level 3 or above) and substantial experience in early years education.

• A deep understanding of child-led, play-based learning and the EYFS framework.

• A passion for creating an outstanding learning environment where every child can thrive.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.

• A commitment to professional development, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Desirable:

• Experience leading or managing a team within an early years setting.

• Experience of working within a school-based or community preschool setting.

• Knowledge of effective strategies for engaging families and supporting children’s transitions.

• Experience in developing and implementing improvement plans to enhance early years provision.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping and developing an amazing preschool within a supportive village primary school.

• A passionate and friendly team, committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for children.

• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

• A warm, welcoming, and close-knit school community.

• School holidays, a supportive well-being focussed leadership team and a school environment that has recently had a positive Ofsted experience.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about child-led learning, can create magical experiences for children, and want to make a real difference in the lives of young children, we would love to hear from you.

We would love to show you around our wonderful school and purpose built preschool building. Please call to arrange a tour of our school and meet our team.

To apply, please submit a completed application form and a covering letter detailing how your skills and experience align with this role. For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit to our school, please contact Lynne Mercer via email at admin@eba.ec or telephone 01525220468.

Closing Date: 20th January 2025
Interview Date: 22nd January 2025

Bray Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.