HEAD OF EARLY YEARS
Candidate Information

HEAD MASTER’S
WELCOME

Dulwich Prep & Senior is a single school with a shared
purpose; it is divided into five distinct sections, each
spanning two or three year groups, led by a Head of
Section. The autonomy of the different Sections
stimulates a creative approach to teaching and learning,
as well as pride in the achievements of each cohort. It
has helped attract very high-quality, specialised staff and
enable appropriate levels of support, encouragement
and challenge to be tailored expertly to each stage of a
child’s development.

Finally, we seek staff members who exemplify our
values, serving as role models to our pupils, inspiring
them, and encouraging thoughtful, compassionate
decision-making.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Louise Davidson
Head Master

As the Head Master of Dulwich Prep & Senior, it is my
honour to introduce you to our remarkable school. For
over 140 years, we have inspired boys aged 3 to 13,
along with Nursery-aged girls, to pursue their dreams.

In September 2025, we expanded our provision to serve
boys up to age 16 by opening our new senior school.
Our first Year 9 cohort began in September 2025, and
we will naturally grow, with the first group sitting their
GCSEs in the summer of 2028. Since 2023, our co-
educational Nursery (3+) has welcomed Fledglings (2+),
now covering ages 2 to 4 years old. From Reception
onwards, we are a boys-only school.

We are privileged to have developed a specific pedagogy
that fosters critical thinking, exploration, and strong
communication skills while recognising that each child is
on their own journey of discovery. Our commitment to
nurturing the whole child ensures a diverse and
enriched education, helping pupils achieve beyond
expectations.

Embedding the Dulwich Prep & Senior Values is crucial
for developing the character skills needed in today’s fast-
paced world. These values promote empathy and
compassion, essential for resilience and success in any
endeavour, both during and beyond their educational
journey. Our partnership with parents and guardians is
key to the school’s success.

ABOUT US

Located in Dulwich, a picturesque village known for its
exceptional schools and abundant open spaces, our
school benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s
most cosmopolitan cities.

We are situated across two sites covering 29 acres,
including extensive sports fields and woodland, which
enables the school to offer a unique blend of a country
atmosphere in a suburban setting.

Dulwich Prep & Senior has been a leading school in
England since 1885. Throughout the years, countless
boys and Nursery-aged girls have benefited from our
school’s rich history and forward-thinking approach. We
have always embraced change, kept pace with pedagogy
and technology, and, most importantly, are passionate
about each pupil and staff member’s individual journey.

We enrol over 800 pupils aged 2 to 16. Our selection
process is two-fold: we look for pupils who generally
rank in the top 20% nationally based on standardised
tests, but more importantly, we seek children who will
thrive and make the most of all that our school has to
offer.

We take great pride in inspiring excellence with our
Values ethos permeating every aspect of our curriculum
and co-curricular activities.

Academic excellence is a top priority, with 12 essential
skills taught for success in education and beyond. Along
with the Values, these 20 attributes empower boys to
thrive in any future they choose. Expectations are high!
We develop independent thinkers who make decisions
based on empathy and compassion, which leads to their
success and resilience.

Our Governors play a crucial role in maintaining Dulwich
Prep & Senior’s position in a competitive market. Their
expertise enables us to offer an innovative and
challenging curriculum within a high-quality learning
environment, achieved by attracting excellent staff,
implementing up-to-date technology, and continually
improving our modern facilities.

Dulwich Prep & Senior provides a well-rounded
education focusing on academic excellence, character
development, and personal growth. We strive to nurture
boys to become confident, compassionate, and
prepared to make a positive impact on the world. For
the boys attending this school, their journey goes
beyond exam preparation; it prepares them for life.

OUR VALUES

Our eight values are the heart of our school and provide a powerful educational framework as well as being strong values for life. By demonstrating Love, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice,
Service, Self-Discipline, and Honesty, our pupils gain greater insight into themselves, others, and the ever-changing world in which they live. We have formed four value pairings, each with an
emotive statement that together encapsulate the spirit of Dulwich Prep & Senior, making our values truly unique to our school.

We advocate the transformative power of
love and service. We encourage our pupils
to make heartfelt contributions that uplift
others.

We inspire our pupils to pursue
their aspirations with unwavering
courage and seize every opportunity to
learn and grow.

This fosters an environment where  pupils
support one another, building a culture of
mutual respect and collaboration.

Through acts of kindness and selfless
service, our collective passion creates a
ripple  effect that enriches lives and
spreads joy far beyond our school.

We cultivate self-discipline in our
boys, encouraging them to
prioritise long-term achievements over
short-term gratifications.

They learn to take responsibility for
their actions, seek help when needed,
and strive for excellence in all they do.

By acting with Love & Service, these values
create our home for kindness and
community.

By acting with Courage & Self-
Discipline, these values create
our passion for excellence and growth.

We champion honesty and justice, urging
our boys to embrace truth and
authenticity in all aspects of their lives.

We teach our pupils to empathise with
others, to be respectful, and to be
accepting of another’s perspective.

We empower our pupils to act with
integrity, be upstanding in their beliefs,
and communicate their perspectives
respectfully.

We ensure that everyone feels valued
within our close-knit community and that
our boys understand that greater
satisfaction can come from helping others.

Our boys develop a strong sense of
justice, understanding and advocating for
what is right.

Our pupils understand the power of
gratitude and humility and how they are
key to having a happy and fulfilling life.

By acting with Honesty & Justice, these
values create our spirit for bravery and
integrity.

By acting with Gratitude & Humility, these
values create our mindset for respect and
appreciation.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Early Years is responsible for the leadership and development of Dulwich Prep & Senior’s Early Years provision and site, which encompasses a co-educational Nursery, including our
Fledglings (2+) and Nursery (3+) Year Groups, as well as Reception (4+), marking the beginning of our Prep school. As a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role reports
directly to the Head Master.

The post holder will be highly motivated, combining a deep commitment to the daily life of a busy independent school with a devotion to pastoral excellence, outstanding academic performance,
and a passion for Early Years education. With clarity of vision, comfort in change, and an innovative approach, they will lead an inspiring and stimulating child-centred learning environment that
prioritises the well-being and academic achievement of every child.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

•

Lead the EYFS team across Fledglings (2+), Nursery (3+)
and Reception (4+), ensuring staff cohesion and
collaboration.

• Champion the school’s ethos, aims, and values.
• Chair regular departmental meetings, setting targets

and monitoring progress.

• Update the Head Master on pupil progress, staffing,

and sectional needs on a weekly basis.

• Provide strategic direction and management of all

EYFS operations.

• Co-develop and implement the Early Years

Development Plan with SLT and staff.

•

Inform whole-school planning through data analysis,
curriculum review, and identification of improvement
opportunities.

• Develop, monitor, and update EYFS policies and
procedures in line with statutory requirements.

• Organise co-curricular events, including charity
fundraising, sports days, and performances.

• Ensure readiness for inspections and regulatory

• Model excellence in planning, assessment, and lesson

compliance.

delivery.

• Responsible for the EYFS budget, including planning,
recording and reviewing expenditure as appropriate.

• Ensure differentiated learning in every classroom to

support individual progress.

•

Lead by example through excellent teaching and active
participation in school events.

• Support staff in creating imaginative schemes of work

that challenge and inspire.

TEACHING & LEARNING

close gaps.

• Track attainment data and implement strategies to

• Deliver and inspire outstanding Early Years teaching

with high expectations for every child.

•

Lead curriculum development that is rich, balanced,
creative, and innovative

• Drive IT-based learning initiatives as required and stay

current with educational research.

• Organise workshops, assemblies, visiting speakers,

and educational trips.

• Work with the Skills and Strategies Team to provide
appropriate support and extension for all abilities.

• Ensure intervention strategies are in place and

monitored.

ADMISSIONS & MARKETING

SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING

STAFF DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING

• Work with the Head Master and the MarComms &

Admissions teams on the promotion of the Early Years
to prospective families, to support and develop pupil
enrolment.

•

Liaise with the MarComms & Admissions teams on
Open Days, tours, timetables, and parent
communication.

• Conduct tours for prospective families, promoting the
school’s aims, values, Early Years provision, and the
seamless transition to Pre-Prep.

• Show a commitment to ensuring the highest standards
of safeguarding and to promoting the welfare and
wellbeing of all pupils through clear lines of
communication, developing new processes which
build on current protocols.

• Effectively manage and provide guidance to a team of

staff members, including setting performance
expectations, conducting regular check-ins, and
providing ongoing feedback and coaching.

• Promote staff wellbeing in partnership with Human

• Act as EYFS Designated Safeguarding Lead and as a

Resources.

Deputy DSL on the Safeguarding Team.

• Teach children safe behaviour in line with school
Values and the Early Years Code of Conduct.

• Maintain high behavioural expectations while

• Develop strong relationships with pupils, staff, and

promoting safety.

parents to maintain enrolment.

• Oversee assessment procedures, resources, and

administration.

• Recognise and actively promote equality, diversity and
inclusion for the Senior Section, and the whole school
as needed.

• Review assessment information and make offer

• Maintain up-to-date records of medical, allergy, and

recommendations to the Head Master.

dietary needs.

• Support the Admissions Registrar in providing

• Work with the School Nurse on first aid training and

sensitive feedback to parents following admissions
decisions as required.

medicine administration.

• Update procedures for illnesses and medicine

• Manage ad-hoc admissions, including online sessions

administration as required.

for families abroad as required.

TRANSITION & PARTNERSHIPS

PARENT PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

•

•

Foster open communication, listening to staff ideas
and concerns.

Liaise with the Professional Tutor on CPD
requirements, and support professional development
through the appraisal system.

• Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations

for self and others within the Early Years.

• As a lead professional, regularly review your own

practice, set personal targets, and take responsibility
for your continuous professional development.

OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION

• Oversee Wraparound Care and transfers to Alleyn Park
for @38 provision (7.30 to 8.50am and 3.15 to 5.00pm).

•

Liaise with maintenance, catering, and cleaning teams
for smooth daily operations.

• Ensure smooth transitions between year groups

children’s confidence and happiness.

requirements

through effective communication.

• Maintain an ‘open door’ policy for swift resolution of

• Manage day-to-day health and safety for pupils, staff,

• Support parents with applications to future schools

queries.

and parents.

• Build strong partnerships with parents to support

• Manage departmental timetables and administrative

and hold information workshops.

• Communicate regularly through weekly mailings,

• Coordinate with teachers to write moderated reports

teaching plans, and curriculum booklets.

• Organise fire drills and shelter-in practices.
• Serve on the Health and Safety Committee and Critical

for feeder schools.

• Host curriculum workshops, assemblies, and open

Incident Team.

• Build effective partnerships with Heads of feeder

mornings to showcase learning.

schools.

• Manage parent reports, digital portfolios, and Parents’

Evenings to promote children’s work and
achievements.

• Monitor incidents and review accident analysis.
• Write and update EYFS risk assessments.
• Maintain departmental handbooks for staff and

parents.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils for
whom you are responsible and with whom you come
into contact.

• Maintain high professional standards of attendance,

punctuality, appearance and conduct.

• Maintain positive, courteous relations with pupils,

parents and colleagues.

• Experience managing relationships between

stakeholders, including parents, colleagues and
governors, with exceptional written and verbal
communication skills to enable clear and concise
correspondence across all parties.

• Experience managing and resolving pastoral

challenges, demonstrating outstanding levels of
compassion and humility, resilience and proactive
problem-solving ability.

• Regularly contribute to the school’s programme of

extra-curricular activities.

KEY SKILLS

• Maintain good order and discipline among pupils and
support and contribute to the school’s responsibility
for safeguarding their pupils.

• Promote the good name and reputation of the school.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPEREIENCE

• Educated to degree level (a Masters or equivalent

would be advantageous) and has a record of recent
professional development.

• Qualified teacher status (QTS) and Early Years teaching

qualifications.

• Experience in leading an Early Years setting and has

excellent knowledge of EYFS requirements.

• Outstanding practitioner with strong knowledge of

child development, and a love of learning both inside
and outside the classroom.

• Knowledge of current educational thinking, initiatives

and issues.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding

procedures.

• Strong awareness of business principles within an

independent school context.

• Senior and middle management experience with

exposure to whole school leadership and governance.

• Deep sense of entrepreneurship and a strong desire to

further develop the Early Years provision.

• Outstanding administrative, organisational, analytical

and problem-solving skills.

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal

skills, enabling confident engagement with prospective
families and strong collaboration with the Head Master
and MarComms & Admissions teams.

• Able to represent the Early Years provision with

warmth and clarity on tours, at open events, and
throughout the admissions processes.

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and

diplomacy.

• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding, the

health, safety and wellbeing of all pupils.

• Has the skills and experience to inspire, motivate, lead

and manage staff, particularly through times of
change.

• Ability to prepare, review and oversee the Early Years

financial budgets; overseeing the planning and
allocation of resources to meet the needs of the
curriculum.

• Commitment to the highest educational and pastoral

care standards for all pupils.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic, inspirational and confident leader,

possessing a high degree of emotional intelligence,
drive, energy and commitment, with a presence which
engenders confidence and respect from pupils, staff
and parents.

• Alignment to the Values ethos of Dulwich Prep &

Senior, including celebrating equality, individuality and
difference.

• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a varied

workload. Focuses on what needs to be delivered:
understands what is required and responds promptly.

• Team-focused with a collaborative and flexible

approach. Willing to adapt and respond to priorities,
sharing knowledge and promoting good practice
among staff at all levels.

• Proactive, ‘can do’ attitude to all tasks. Cooperative,

helpful and accommodating with other team members
and staff. Welcomes challenges and meets them with
enthusiasm.

• Good communication and persuasion skills with an
ability to remain calm under pressure, displaying
agility and ownership of problems within your sphere
of influence.

• Works flexibly as the workload demands and has a
desire to get involved in all significant aspects of
school life and be committed to the ethos and values
of the school.

• Has a clear understanding of and a commitment to an
independent day school's aims, showing flexibility and
willingness to commit fully to the school during term
time and the school holidays as required.

WORKING AT
DULWICH PREP & SENIOR

Dulwich Prep & Senior is an inspiring and vibrant place to work. We
have a large yet incredibly warm community of passionate teachers,
inquisitive pupils, a hard-working and friendly support team and
ambitious parents. Together, we create a supportive environment
that is committed to achieving excellence.

Working at DPS means being part of a team that cares about your
continued professional development and teaching journey.
Whether you join us at the beginning, middle or end of your career,
you will be guided, supported and encouraged every step to achieve
your goals. For example, our CPD might involve training for whole
school initiatives, going on ‘Learning Walks’ around the school,
participating in a Lesson Study, or seeking further formal academic
qualifications.

We are proud to be members of the Teacher Development Trust,
which supports schools focused on innovation and evidence-based
learning. In addition, we work with Initial Teacher Training
institutions such as St Mary’s University, Twickenham and The
Cambridge Partnership to develop new teachers and keep up to
date with the latest research and pedagogy.

Staff are encouraged to participate in as many of the vast array of
sporting and drama activities as possible at the Prep. From all-
nighter charity swims to Saturday park runs to our fabulous drama
productions; there’s always something going on at DPS, where
hidden talents are celebrated.

REMUNERATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Competitive Salary of £72,145 to £87,450.

• Generous defined contribution pension

scheme.

• Life assurance and Income protection

insurance (academic staff).

• Free school lunches.

• Enhanced sickness, maternity,
paternity, and adoption pay
entitlements.

• Free access to our School Counsellor and

School Nurse.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Wide range of professional

development opportunities.

• School fee remission.

• Easter and Summer holiday camp discounts.

• Healthcare Cash Plan scheme.

• Employee assistance programme.

• Hours of Work: Core school hours, when all
full-time teaching staff are expected to be at
work, are currently 8.00am to 4.30pm each day,
plus a proportional share of pastoral and
organisational duties.

• All INSET days, major school and departmental
events, such as Open Day, Celebration Day,
Parents Evenings, and all pertinent events listed
in the school calendar.

• Depending on the school’s requirements at any
time, these hours are subject to the terms and
conditions of a Contract of Employment and to
amendment by the Head Master from time to
time.

• Staff may be called to perform other duties that

the Head Master considers reasonable and
commensurate with the grading and
designation of the post.

• The first 12 months of this role will be a
probationary period during which your
suitability for the position will be assessed.
The school reserves the right to extend
probationary periods if it believes such an
extension is necessary.

STAFF BENEFITS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Healthcare Cash Plan
• Medical, including dental and optical,

treatment, access to a virtual GP, skin health
tracker and the 'mProve' yourself App.

Employee Assistance Programme
• Provides free and confidential advice,

including up to eight face-to-face counselling
sessions.

School counsellor & nurse
• Access to School counsellor and School

Nurse during term time.

Wellbeing Initiatives
• Sky Lounge, TGIF and staff room treats.

Physical Exercise
•

Free access to the school’s on-site gym,
outside of teaching hours.

• Discounted gym membership and Cycle to

Work scheme.

Meals & Refreshments
• Breakfast (for a small charge), Morning snack
and lunch, coffee and tea, and plant-based
milks available.

Occupational Health
• Professional help to both staff and the

school where work-related adjustments may
be required.

Pay & Pension
• Generous pension scheme.
• Pay policy including regular benchmarking of our

salary scales.

• Pension salary exchange scheme.

Protection
•
•

Life assurance.
Income protection insurance (academic staff only).

School Fees
• 25% discount, after which any further discount is

means-tested.

• Easter and summer holiday camp discounts.

Financial Support
• High street discounts.
• Emergency financial assistance.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• School laptop provided to staff (where

relevant to the role).

• 175 teaching days per year (190 in the

maintained sector).

• Smaller class sizes, great teaching resources

and higher PPA time.

• Staff Accommodation may be available.

FAMILY FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE
WORKING ARRANGMENTS

Enhanced Leave
• Enhanced sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption,

dependents, carers, and bereavement leave
entitlements.

Flexible working policy.

Working Hours
•
• Part-time and Term-time working.
•

Flexibility to work from home (only applies to
certain roles and with agreement).

Inclusion
•
• Disability Confident employer.

Life event recognition

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INSET and twilight training.

Career Development
•
• Career pathways.
• Mentoring or career coaching.
•

Full CPD programme.

Qualifications
• Early career teacher programme.
• National professional qualifications support.
• Apprenticeships.
•

Financial support for professional qualifications.

APPLICATION &
APPOINTMENT

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS
A completed Application Form and a Cover Letter explaining
your suitability for this role should be emailed to Tamsin
Hutson, Human Resources Manager. Please also read the
accompanying Application & Recruitment Process Explanatory
Note. We reserve the right to appoint at any time during
the recruitment process.

• Closing Date: Friday 9 January 2026, 12.00pm

• Longlist Interviews: Wednesday 14 January 2026

• Shortlist Interviews: Tuesday 20 January 2026

• Start Date: September 2026

APPOINTMENT

Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon
the following:

• Receipt of at least two references which are

satisfactory to the school.

• Verification of identity and qualifications, including

evidence of the right to work in the UK.

• A satisfactory enhanced criminal records check

through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and
clearance of the Children’s Barred List, and
confirmation that you are not disqualified from
providing childcare.

• A check which confirms that you are not the subject of a
sanction, restriction or prohibition issued by the Teaching
Regulation Agency which renders you unable or
unsuitable to work at the school.

• A check which confirms that you are not banned by

the regulating authority of the teaching profession in
each country in which you have worked as a teacher,
which confirms that you are not subject to any
sanctions or restrictions and that there are no
concerns over your suitability to work as a teacher.

• Evidence from the professional regulating authority
of the teaching profession in each country in which
you have worked as a teacher which confirms that
you are not subject to any sanctions or restrictions
and that there are no concerns over your suitability
to work as a teacher.

• Verification of your medical fitness for the role.

• Satisfactory completion of the probationary period.

• Any further checks that the School deems necessary
if you have lived or worked outside of the UK, which
will include an overseas criminal records check or
certificate of good conduct and may include
professional references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
& SAFEGUARDING

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to the equal treatment of all current and
prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age,
disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity,
religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from
individuals of all backgrounds. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive
work environment where all employees are valued and respected for their
unique perspectives and contributions.

Candidates will only be assessed against relevant criteria (i.e., skills,
qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment. In
accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act, Dulwich Prep & Senior seeks
to treat those with disabilities as favourably as those without disabilities.
Accordingly, we will make reasonable arrangements, wherever practicable, to
avoid putting those with disabilities at a disadvantage.

SAFEGUARDING

Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s
and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening
and training appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers,
online checks, and an enhanced criminal records check with the Disclosure
and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunity

employer and welcome applications

from individuals of all backgrounds.

We believe in fostering a diverse

and inclusive work environment

where all employees are valued and

respected for their unique

perspectives and contributions.

We are proud members of the

Schools Inclusion Alliance and the

Government’s Disability Confident

Scheme.