Junior School Head of Foundation Stage & Key Stage 1

Role Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational educator to join Uppingham Hung Yen as Head of Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage. This is a core teaching role with an additional responsibility allowance for leading our EYFS (ages 3 - 5) and KS1 (Years 1- 2) phases.
You will be an outstanding classroom practitioner who is passionate about nurturing curiosity, creativity and a love of learning in children during their most formative years (ages 3- 7). In addition to your teaching duties, you will act as the academic and pastoral leader for these phases, driving high standards, supporting staff development and ensuring the smooth implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the British Curriculum within the unique context of our international sc hool in Vietnam. You will translate the school’s strategic vision into daily practice, acting as a crucial bridge between class teachers and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Teaching and Learning ( approx. 80% of timetable)
   

• Outstanding Practice: teach a class within EYFS or KS1, consistently demonstrating good or outstanding teaching that engages, challenges and nurtures all pupils.

• Role Modelling: act as a leading practitioner, modelling best practices in early years pedagogy, phonics delivery, assessment and classroom environment management for colleagues within the phase.

• Leadership and Management of EYFS & KS1 ( approx. 20% of timetable)

• Strategic Leadership: Support the SLT in implementing the school’s vision and development plan within EYFS and KS1, contributing to strategic decision - making with insights from the early years and infant phases.
  

2. Curriculum Development and Production

• Lead the ongoing review, adaptation and production of a coherent and ambitious KS2 curriculum that is rooted in the British Curriculum but contextualised for our international setting in Vietnam.

• Oversee the creation of long - term and medium - term planning documents, ensuring they sequence knowledge and skills effectively to build on prior learning and prepare pupils for the next stage of their education

• Ensure the curriculum is rich, broad, and balanced, incorporating cross - curricular links and providing a range of enriching learning experiences that reflect the Uppingham ethos
  

3. Evaluating Outcomes and Impact
   

• Establish robust systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the EYFS and KS1 curriculum on pupil outcomes, with a particular focus on the Prime Areas of learning in EYFS and core skills in KS1.

• Lead the rigorous analysis of a wide range of assessment data (including the EYFS Profile, Phonics Screening Checks and formative assessments) to track pupil progress, identify trends and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning strategies.
  Use data analysis and observations to identify underachievement and gaps in learning, implementing and evaluating the impact of targeted interventions.

• Report regularly to the SLT on the standards achieved in EYFS and KS1, the effectiveness of the curriculum and areas for further development.
  

4. Staff Development and Suppor
   

Together with the Head of Junior School:

• Line manage EYFS and KS1 teachers, offering guidance, support and challenge to help them meet performance management targets

• Lead weekly EYFS/KS1 team meetings to ensure consistent implementation of school policies and foster a collaborative team culture.
  Support the induction of new staff within the phase.

5. Pastoral Care and Community
   

• Take overall responsibility for the pastoral care, safeguarding, behaviour and well-being of all pupils in EYFS and Key Stage 1.

• Uphold and promote the school's behaviour for learning policy, ensuring a positive, nurturing and safe environment appropriate for very young learners.

• Build strong relationships with parents, acting as a key point of contact for EYFS and KS1 matters. Actively participate in parent evenings, stay - and - play sessions and school events to strengthen the school community.
  

6. Operations and Transition
   

• Liaise with the Head of KS2 to ensure smooth and effective transition arrangements for pupils moving from Year 2 to Year 3.

• Liaise with the Admissions team regarding the induction of new children into the Foundation Stage and KS1 classes.

• Contribute to the efficient use of resources, management of learning environments and budgeting for the phase.
  Ensure the maintenance of accurate records regarding pupil progress, meetings and correspondence.

Key Expectations

• Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Hung Yen

• Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role

• Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School

• Contribute to the co - curricular programme

• Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all

• Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbook

• Be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of child
  

Education, skills, training and qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent and a relevant degree.

• Proven, successful experience teaching within EYFS and/or Key Stage 1 in a British Curriculum school.

• Experience of using the EYFS Framework and KS1 assessment data (including Phonics Screening) to raise standards and improve pupil outcomes.

• Desirable: Experience leading a phase, subject (such as Phonics), or initiative across EYFS/KS1.
  

Skill and Knowledge

• Deep understanding of child development, the EYFS framework and the principles of curriculum, assessment and pedagogy in the early years and KS1 phases

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the gravitas to inspire trust and respect from colleagues, parents and pupils.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a demanding workload, juggling teaching responsibilities with leadership duties effectively.

• A clear grasp of effective strategies for behaviour management in early years settings and for staff development.
  

Personal Attributes

• A visible, collaborative and proactive leadership style with high levels of emotional intelligence and a nurturing disposition.

• A deep commitment to the Uppingham ethos and the holistic development of every child from their earliest years.

• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to build positive relationships with Vietnamese families and the local community.

• A positive, resilient outlook combined with energy, patience and creativity.

Safeguarding Statement

Uppingham Hung Yen is fundamentally committed to safeguarding the children in our care and their welfare is our top priority. All adults in the school community are expected to follow its Safeguarding procedures and are required to undertake safeguarding c hecks. Staff will hold a clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check with no question regarding suitability to work with children.