The Grange Junior School

Recruitment Pack
Early Years Specialist Music Teacher
(Maternity Cover)

Welcome

The Grange School is one of the great success stories of independent education, shaped by over forty years of sustained growth, ambition and achievement. Founded in 1933 as a Kindergarten and Preparatory School, the School took a bold and transformative step in 1977 with the introduction of secondary education. Since then, The Grange has grown steadily, developing an outstanding academic reputation alongside a strong and supportive school community.

Today, The Grange educates 1,180 students aged 3–18, with approximately 400 students in the Junior School and 780 in the Senior School, including a vibrant Sixth Form. The School is consistently amongst the highest-performing independent schools in the North West and is widely regarded as one of the leading co-educational day schools in the country.

Academic standards are high, and outcomes place The Grange towards the top of national independent school league tables, with strong GCSE and A-level results and the majority of students progressing to their first-choice universities.

Just as importantly, The Grange is a very happy place to work and learn. Relationships between staff and students are warm, respectful and purposeful. Expectations are high, and the School is busy and dynamic, but it is also collegiate, supportive and professionally rewarding. Staff are encouraged to be ambitious, reflective and creative, within a culture that values collaboration and mutual respect.

Above all, our purpose is to help young people truly flourish. We believe in educating the whole person, supporting each student to discover and develop their individual strengths, talents and passions. Through challenge, encouragement and opportunity, we prepare our students not only for academic success, but for fulfilled and purposeful lives beyond school.

If you would like to discuss this vacancy please contact Mrs Lynn Geary, HR and Governance Officer by email to: recruitment@grange.org.uk, or call 01606 539039.

Dr Lorraine Earps Head

Welcome to The Grange Junior School

Our philosophy at The Grange Junior School is that the provision of a truly excellent learning experience, starting in Pre-school, aged 3, and continuing throughout the primary years, lays the strongest possible foundations for children’s transition into secondary education and beyond. We see education as far more than academic achievement alone; it is a journey of discovery, confidence, curiosity and personal growth. Every child is encouraged to develop a love of learning, explore their individual strengths and flourish within a supportive and inspiring environment. Our commitment to nurturing young minds, fostering that love for learning, and cultivating well-rounded individuals is at the heart of everything we do.

Our approach creates an environment rich in opportunities to explore and develop in a caring, warm, happy and modern space. We offer a stimulating academic programme, attentive pastoral care and a competitive, varied enrichment programme, all delivered in impressive, modern facilities. Yet it is the caring relationships that we develop with every child and their parents that are the most important asset to ensuring educational success and happiness.

Ben Tagg Head of the Junior School

Hartford, Cheshire

Hartford is a village in Cheshire West and Chester, 2 miles to the south west of the town of Northwich and surrounded by Weaverham to the north, Kingsmead and Davenham to the east, Whitegate and Marton to the south and Cuddington to the west.

The village was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when the Manor was held by Gilbert de Venables as part of the Barony of Kinderton. In 1644 during the English Civil War a battle was fought at Hartford Green when Royalists from Chester encountered the Parliamentary forces from Northwich.

Hartford has a number of Grade II listed buildings including Hartford Hall Hotel which dates from the 16th century and Vale Royal Railway Viaduct, built in 1837. There are also a number of local shops including a hairdressers, dry cleaners, florist, a cafe and a butcher. The village is also home to Hartford Tennis Club, Hartford Cricket Club, a bowling club, and a golf course with a driving range.

The A556 bypasses the village as part of the Northwich bypass and the bridge that carries the road over the River Weaver is known as Hartford Bridge or Blue Bridge, and was built in 1938.

Hartford is served by Hartford railway station on the West Coast Main Line between Liverpool and Crewe and by Greenbank railway station on the Mid- Cheshire Line between Chester and Manchester Piccadilly.

Early Years Specialist Music Teacher (Maternity Cover) The Opportunity

Salary: M1 - M6, dependent on experience and skill
Contract Type: Part Time, 0.1FTE (One afternoon per week), Additional days to
support Early Years performances (e.g Christmas Nativity)
Start Date: 1 September to cover Maternity leavest
(until approximately 22 February 2027)nd

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced to deliver high-quality music education to our youngest pupils. This part-time role involves teaching music lessons to Reception & Pre-School.

The successful candidate will also contribute to additional events throughout the year, such as performances, showcases, and the Christmas Nativity.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging and age-appropriate weekly music lessons for preschool and reception pupils.

Introduce pupils to a wide range of musical experiences including singing, rhythm, instruments, and movement.

Foster a joy of music and creativity through an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Work collaboratively with Early Years staff to support the integration of music across the wider curriculum.

Lead musical elements of Early Years performances, including rehearsals and event days (with additional remuneration).

Ensure safeguarding of all pupils and uphold the school’s high standards of pastoral care.

Maintain good communication with parents and colleagues and contribute to reports where necessary.

Attend occasional staff meetings or training relevant to the role.

Early Years Specialist Music Teacher The Person

Person Specification

Essential Attributes

A recognised music teaching qualification or relevant musical education background.

Experience of teaching music to Early Years/Foundation Stage pupils.

Understanding of EYFS curriculum and child development.

Ability to inspire and engage young children through creative and dynamic lessons.

Excellent classroom management skills, tailored to the needs of younger learners.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Punctual, reliable, and professional at all times.

Desirable Attributes

Previous experience in an independent school setting.

Keyboard or piano accompaniment skills.

Familiarity with staging and directing musical performances.

Experience of using music technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Willingness to contribute to the broader life of the school.

Employee Benefits

Here at The Grange School we offer a competitive package of employee benefits, including:

Employee Assistance Programme: with Health Assured

Pension:The Grange School has introduced a new Defined Contribution (DC) pension arrangement for teaching staff employed after 1 February 2026. Under this scheme, teachers can choose their preferred level of personal contributions—starting from an employee 5% of pensionable salary—while the School contributes a minimum of 10% up to 26%, with the option to flex this down and receive any difference as a taxable cash allowance of up to 13.9% (after NI).

Use of on-site facilities: Staff have free membership to the school’s onsite gym, outside of school hours and use of the sports hall. All staff can also take advantage of discounted ticket prices to shows at The Grange Theatre.

Social events: All new staff are invited to join us for a welcome meal and we also host an annual summer BBQ and Christmas party. A variety of wellbeing activities are also planned around school INSET days.

Staff discounts: The Grange has partnered with 'Benefit Hub' who offer discounts and money-saving deals on shopping, holidays, insurance etc. We have also partnered with local businesses who offer discounts on car maintenance and local gym memberships.

Subsidised lunch: in dining hall

How to apply

To apply for this position please complete and return an application form and write a covering letter for the attention of the Head, Dr Lorraine Earps and send to: recruitment@grange.org.uk. Applications can also be returned to us by post, to: Head of The Junior School, c/o The Grange School, Bradburns Lane, Hartford, Cheshire CW8 1LU.

We reserve the right to make an appointment once a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged. Interviews will be held on an on-going basis.

The Grange School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The Grange School

The Grange School Bradburns Lane, Hartford Cheshire, CW8 1LU 01606 539039

recruitment@grange.org.uk www.grange.org.uk