HEAD OF EARLY YEARSMANOR LODGE SCHOOLCandidate BriefAbout Manor LodgeFounded in 1991, Manor Lodge is a vibrant and successfulindependent day school for over 450 boys and girls aged 3 - 11.The school is in Shenley, Hertfordshire; the 22 acre siteencompasses a Grade 2 listed building set in open countrysidenestling within fields, woodland and wildlife, yet only 1 mile fromjunction 22 of the M25.  In 2018 after many years as Deputy Head, Alyson Lobo tookover the mantle of Head Teacher with a clear vision for theschool. There are two curriculums, each of equal importance.The academic curriculum is based on the traditional values ofexcellent teaching and learning, measured in academic success.Then there is the hidden one, embedded in everything we do,delivered to enhance character, creativity, motivation, curiosity,thinking, communication, collaboration, resilience and wellbeing,modelled by teachers and everyone in the school environmentwho touch our children’s lives. This philosophy is based on theprinciple that every child deserves a childhood.Where the indoor and outdoor classrooms work in perfect harmony.OUR VALUESWHAT WE DOBe PositiveHave IntegrityShow KindnessGive Your AllTo deliver a forward-thinking curriculum that inspires intellectualcuriosity within each child, promotes academic excellence andindividual achievement.To offer a positive and stimulating environment that promotes thephilosophy of ‘learning without walls’.To encourage, support and invest in our staff to enable all individualsto thrive.To celebrate diversity and inclusivity in a community that values andcares for one another.To bring joy to childhood experiences by enabling our children to feelsafe and secure in an environment where each voice is heard and well-being is nurtured.OUR AIMSThe ISI Report 2023 stated that the quality of pupils’ academic and otherachievements is excellent. Pupils of all abilities achieve high standards across thecurriculum and make excellent progress from their different starting points. By the endof Year 6, the large majority of pupils are achieving, on average, two years ahead oftheir chronological age in both mathematics and English. In reading, gains madethroughout their journey means that the average Year 6 child has an average readingage of 6 years above their chronological age on leaving Manor Lodge. The inspectorsnoted that, ‘Pupils love learning; they have highly positive attitudes fostered by a richand challenging indoor and outdoor curriculum and a wide range of enrichmentopportunities.’ Our children are extremely successful in gaining entrance to highlycompetitive senior independent and state schools, with a large proportion beingawarded scholarships. Inspection evidence confirms that the school successfully meetsits aim to deliver a forward-thinking curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity withineach child, promotes academic excellence and individual achievement.Academic ExcellenceAt Manor Lodge we take the pastoral well-being andsafeguarding of all the members of our community, particularlythe children, very seriously. It is our firm belief that pastoral careand academic progress go hand-in-hand. Allowing children to have a childhood is at the core of ourpastoral support. We understand the importance of achievingacademic potential but not at the expense of their pastoral well-being. Aspects of the Manor Lodge community such as ourpassion for outdoor learning (and outstanding outdoor facilities),our varied sports programme, our house families, our schoolcouncil, our community projects, worry boxes and pastoral‘drop-in’ chats all contribute to creating a special culture wherewell-being is genuinely valued alongside academic progress. Wealso monitor and track the children’s attitudes to their peers,teachers, school-life and learning in order to ensure we have anexcellent understanding of how the children are feeling. ‘The quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent (ISI 2023)’Pastoral CareThe CandidateThe successful candidate will have the followingqualifications, experience and skills:ESSENTIAL Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.Minimum 5 years’ experience teaching within EYFS.Proven leadership experience in an early years setting.In-depth knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework andchild development.Evidence of successful curriculum planning and assessment inEYFS.DESIRABLE Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or equivalent.National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Leadership orEarly Years.Experience in school improvement and leading inspections.Additional qualifications in SEND or safeguarding.First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications. Evidence of ongoing CPD. Personal Attributes A visionary leader with a passion for early years education. Strong ability to lead and inspire a team.Excellent understanding of play-based learning and child-ledpedagogy.Ability to analyse data and implement interventions forprogress.Effective communication and interpersonal skills with staff,parents, and external agencies.Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.Experience in budget management for EYFS resources. Ability to develop innovative learning environments. Highly organised, proactive, and adaptable. Excellent written, oral and presentational skills. A sense of humour and outgoing, positive personality. Resilient under pressure with strong problem-solving skills. Commitment to continuous professional development andreflective practice.The RoleJob Title: Head of EYFS  Responsible to: The Head Teacher, Deputy Head Academic, Deputy Head Pastoral, Deputy HeadStandards & Co-curricular and Head of Key Stage.  Main Duties and Responsibilities: Leadership and Strategic DirectionProvide clear vision and leadership for the EYFS team, ensuring alignment withwhole-school priorities.Develop and implement an EYFS improvement plan to raise standards andoutcomes.Lead on the creation and delivery of a high-quality, inclusive EYFS curriculum.Ensure all EYFS provision meets statutory requirements and school policies.Prepare for and contribute to internal and external inspections. Oversee the EYFS learning environment, ensuring it is stimulating, safe, and well-resourced.Manage EYFS budgets effectively to support learning priorities. Teaching and LearningEnsure outstanding teaching and learning across all EYFS classes.Monitor and evaluate planning, assessment, and progress tracking systems.Promote best practice in early years pedagogy, including play-based and child-ledlearning.Use data to monitor attainment and progress, implementing interventions wherenecessary. Staff Development and ManagementLine-manage EYFS teachers and support staff, conducting performance reviews andsetting targets.Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture. Safeguarding and WelfareEnsure compliance with safeguarding policies and statutory requirements.Maintain a safe, nurturing environment that promotes children’s well-being anddevelopment. Parental and Community EngagementBuild strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring effective communicationabout children’s progress.Promote parental involvement in learning and school life.How to ApplyTo apply, please submit an application form which can be downloaded via ourwebsite, to the Head’s PA: pa@manorlodgeschool.com. CVs will not be accepted.  For further information about the role and the school,please phone 01707 642424.Closing date for applications: 2nd December Interviews: 8th or 9th December Start Date: 17  April 2026 thManor Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post,including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.MANOR LODGE SCHOOL01707 642424Rectory Lane, Ridge Hill, Shenley, Radlett WD7 9BG. . . where learning is the greatest adventure#bepartoftheadventure