Head of Pre-Prep

Responsibilities

• Leading the Pre-Prep and supporting the Headmaster as a member of the Senior Leadership Team in the organisation and development of the whole school, ensuring the Pre-Prep is a distinctive and successful part of the school.
• Collaborating with the Deputy Head Operations and Deputy Head Academic to integrate the Pre-Prep and Prep departments.
• Advising the Headmaster on policy making and development planning, with particular regard to the EYFS.
• Supporting the Heads of EYFS by contributing to strategic leadership and operational oversight of early years provision.
• Pioneering innovative pedagogy and teaching practices to maintain and raise academic standards.
• Ensuring high levels of pupil welfare, pastoral care, and behaviour are nurtured in the Pre-Prep.
• Managing safeguarding matters as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Overseeing financial, site, and health and safety matters within the Pre-Prep.
• Recruiting, line managing, and developing all Pre-Prep staff, including Nursery Practitioners, Teaching Assistants, Teachers, and the Pre-Prep Secretary.
• Organising and managing the smooth day-to-day running of the Pre-Prep, including Nursery, extra-curricular activities, and special events.
• Reviewing and developing the Pre-Prep curriculum in collaboration with the Deputy Lead Academic and Heads of EYFS to ensure consistency across the school.
• Communicating the vision for learning and teaching at Twyford School clearly to staff, parents, and governors.
• Leading and organising Pre-Prep assemblies, ensuring a broad range of themes that reflect different cultures.
• Representing and promoting the school to prospective parents and the wider community through events, tours, and communications.

Skills and Experience

• Degree or equivalent (QTS and a PGCE or equivalent teaching certification preferred but not essential).
• Recent participation in relevant professional training.
• Strong track record of teaching in a primary, infant or independent pre-prep school.
• Secure understanding of the EYFS, Development Matters, the statutory framework, regulations and best practice.
• Awareness of curriculum development, learning and teaching strategies, and best practice across a range of settings.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding procedures in line with KCSiE.
• Ability to lead and inspire others.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritise and maintain strong organisational skills.
• Good level of IT proficiency.
• Demonstrated enthusiastic and imaginative approach to learning and teaching.
• Appreciation of the ethos of an independent boarding school.

Benefits

• 34-week school year (including INSET days) across three terms, with extended school holidays.
• Staff fee remission following completion of the probationary period and subject to the school's usual admission criteria.
• Generous pension provision.
• Private medical insurance for the post holder.
• Income protection.
• Life assurance.
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities.
• Freshly cooked lunch, snacks, tea and coffee provided at no cost during term-time.
• Staff swimming sessions in the indoor swimming pool.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free parking.
• Salary: Generous salary and benefits package.
• Location: Winchester, Hampshire.