THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• The post holder must hold EYTS or a graduate early years’ qualification. For applicants with QTS, this should be specific to the Foundation Stage age group. Where this is not the case, the applicant should be able to demonstrate training and recent experience of working at a leadership level with the Foundation Stage age group or should be willing to undertake relevant CPD training.
• Extensive experience of working with young children, particularly 2-5 year olds
• Experience of leading teams in delivering high quality early education
• Experience of working with families, identifying support and working in partnership with them to promote learning
• Experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations when identifying and meeting the needs of children and families and in response to safeguarding concerns
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and relevant current legislation
• A strong understanding of what constitutes a quality early education environment
• A strong understanding of making accurate assessments of children’s learning and development and devising appropriate next steps for their learning
• Ability to design and develop early education environments and programmes and built on the children’s interests and the characteristics of effective teaching and learning
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to vary and structure the curriculum according to children’s needs
• Good observational skills and the experience to support staff in knowing when and how best to intervene to support children’s learning, development and interactions.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Ivy House School thrives as a distinguished, co-educational, and non-denominational school, for boys and girls aged 2-11, nestled within the green spaces of Golders Hill Park in Hampstead. The school is renowned for its outstanding education and core values, instilled throughout pupils’ learning pathway from Early Years up to and throughout the Prep School.
The school prides itself on creating a nurturing environment where each pupil’s individuality is encouraged while fostering a love for learning. The school imparts upon its pupils the notion that they can achieve remarkable feats while being guided by their belief in hard work and determination. The school’s commitment to maintaining a student-centred approach is achieved through their tailored curriculum, ensuring academic success and entrance into some of the top senior day and boarding schools in the UK.
Ivy House are now looking for a Lead Early Years Practitioner to join them from January 2026. The purpose of this role is to oversee the quality of the early education for the children in the nursery and deliver effectively the group’s high educational standards. This is a leadership role that includes setting accurate intentions for the curriculum that has been planned for the children, overseeing the implementation and teaching strategies used in the classroom and measuring the impact of the curriculum to ensure children are progressing in their learning. As well as being an experienced early years’ professional, you will work effectively with the Head and Deputy Head and parents to develop positive and effective relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive early education that meets the needs of children and families.
• Lead classroom practice by creating a safe, stimulating environment with well-planned, engaging learning experiences.
• Monitor and assess children’s progress, ensuring accurate recording and reporting.
• Ensure all practitioners understand and effectively implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Promote high expectations for all children, supporting them in reaching their full potential.
• Shape and implement policies, ensuring best practices are upheld across the setting.
• Maintain compliance with all safeguarding, welfare, and health & safety regulations.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and families to support children’s development.
• Collaborate with multi-professional teams and external agencies to enhance child wellbeing.
• Support staff development through mentoring, role modeling, and regular performance reviews.
• Conduct termly observations and learning record reviews, providing feedback for improvement.