Early Years Phase Lead

EYFS Lead
Are you ready to lead and inspire early years education in a vibrant, inclusive school community?
Do you want to work with a committed SLT to raise standards and champion early years excellence at Ark Dickens Academy
If so … we want to hear from you!

Ark Dickens Primary is a vibrant, inclusive school at the heart of its community, committed to providing a nurturing and ambitious learning environment for every child. With a strong focus on high expectations, excellent teaching, and pastoral care Ark Dickens empowers pupils to ‘Be your best’ academically and socially. The school is proud of its dedicated staff, supportive leadership, and a culture that values kindness, resilience, and aspiration.

We are now looking for a passionate and experienced EYFS Lead to join our team and help shape the future of early years provision -ensuring every child gets the best possible start.

Key responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of early years pedagogy and child development.
• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to inclusive practice.
• Model high expectations for staff and pupils, promoting a culture of excellence and care.
• Provide strong leadership and management across EYFS, ensuring high standards of achievement and wellbeing.
• Foster a nurturing, positive learning environment that supports effective interactions and relationships.
• Support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of School and SLT to implement strategic priorities within EYFS.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are robust and consistently applied.
• Monitor and evaluate EYFS provision, using data to inform planning and improvement.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement through innovation and reflective practice.
• Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies to support pupil outcomes.
• Share best practice across the academy and wider trust to drive continuous improvement.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity or for any queries, please contact [email protected] or call 02392 826514.

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Ark Dickens is a lovely school in the heart of Portsmouth. We are a two-form entry primary academy, which became part of the Ark network in September 2014. We are a school with high aspirations and expectations to ‘Be Our Best’ in all that we do. This reflects our ethos of ensuring every child is provided with every opportunity to reach their potential.

At our school, staff wellbeing and support is of paramount importance to us. Staff are given countless opportunities as well as tailored training geared towards individual professional development. We offer a collaborative setting ensuring that staff receive responsive feedback and colleagues are encouraged to learn from one another. Hard work will never go unappreciated at Ark Dickens, where there is a spirit of recognition and reward. Our school is a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.