Application Pack for the Role of Head of Early Years
September 2026 Start Date
Role Overview
Cheam School is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Head of Early Years from September 2026.
The candidate should be prepared to inspire and support the children in their learning both indoors and outdoors, and be part of a skilled and hard working team of staff, and have the ability to lead and manage the Early Years team as a member of the school SMT.
Applicants should hold qualified teacher status and experience as an outstanding practitioner.
About Cheam School
Cheam was founded in 1645 and is one of the oldest prep schools in the world. Cheam is an IAPS boarding and day school with boys and girls from age 3-13 years. Cheam prides itself on its excellent all-round record academically, musically, artistically and on the sports field and is especially highly regarded for its Character education. The facilities are outstanding. On completing their education at Cheam, children move on to the top Public Schools in England, including but not limited to: Bradfield, Downe House, Eton, Lord Wandsworth, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne, Wellington and Winchester. The school is non-selective yet achieves consistently high standards academically, through an inspirational and dedicated team of teachers.
Cheam School is situated in a stunning rural location ten minutes from Newbury and fifteen minutes from Basingstoke, just off the A339. It is surrounded by smaller towns and villages from which it draws many of its pupils.
CHEAM | Head of Early Years
Role Specification
Key duties:
Assume overall responsibility for the quality of Early Years provision, including physical, emotional, social and intellectual education and care for children in the setting.
● Promote excellent practice at all times.
Lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Support and mentor other practitioners in Early Years in the skills and behaviours that safeguard and promote good outcomes for children.
Teachers at Cheam are expected to:
Teach subjects, specialising if necessary, as required to a class of pupils, and ensure that planning, preparation, recording, assessment and reporting meet their varying academic and pastoral needs
Administer both formative and summative assessments and monitor the progress of pupils
Ensure individual reports are written for each child in accordance with reporting guidelines and ensuring relevant deadlines are met
Contribute to exciting and imaginative schemes of work to ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged, make strong progress and are inspired by their lessons
Report pastoral concerns and follow the school’s Behaviour Management Policy
Complete appropriate levels of Continuing Professional Development
Fulfil duties and take part in the co-curricular programme as per a full-time member of staff
Support any trips including any residential visits as appropriate
Undertake any reasonable additional task in respect of the needs of the school at the request of the Head of Pre-Prep
CHEAM | Head of Early Years
Candidate Specification
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels.
Ability to effectively lead a team of teaching and support staff.
Ability to secure high standards of pupil achievement and behaviour in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and to develop and maintain positive and supportive professional relationships with children, staff, parents and governors.
Ability to work as part of an effective Pre-Prep Leadership team.
A thorough knowledge and understanding of how children learn in the Early Years Foundation Stage and how learning at this stage affects pupils’ future learning.
Ability to provide a broad, balanced, relevant and creative Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Ability to influence the quality of teaching and learning.
Ability to inspire, lead and motivate the children and staff in the pursuit of excellence.
Ability to develop staff and manage their performance.
A thorough grasp of current educational issues.
Ability to actively encourage and promote outdoor learning as part of everyday practice to be incorporated in the learning environment.
Ability to analyse, understand and interpret Early Years Foundation Stage performance data.
• Confident user of ICT & evidence of the strategic use of data.
Secure working knowledge of the EYFS, the National Curriculum and their assessment, recording and reporting requirements.
Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise effectively.
An outstanding passion and drive for raising standards of teaching and learning.
A positive and enthusiastic individual who thrives on challenge.
Commitment to whole school and Pre-Prep department improvement.
Commitment to personal and professional development.
Promoting their subjects throughout the school in the organisation of suitable trips and excursions and through other initiatives
Upholding Cheam School’s values and ethos
Willing to be fully involved in the life of a busy prep school
Qualifications:
● Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.
A record of excellent classroom practice with age groups from 3yrs to 7yrs
Involvement in the implementation of whole school initiatives.
Experience of effective involvement of parents in their children’s education.
Successful implementation of quality assessment techniques to inform teaching and learning.
Experience of involvement in transition between one or more of the following: home-EYFS, EYFS-KS1.
Character Education at Cheam
At Cheam, we believe education goes beyond academic success. Central to our approach is Character Education, which nurtures well‑rounded, compassionate, and robust young people. We aim to develop values such as respect, responsibility, reflectiveness, resilience, and resourcefulness, empowering pupils to become confident, capable, and kind individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society. Character development is embedded throughout school life – in the classroom, boarding, and co‑curricular activities. Supported by the Cheam community, pupils are encouraged to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens.
CHEAM | Head of Early Years
Hours and Salary
The salary will be competitive, according to experience and qualifications. Cheam Pre-Prep operates from Monday to Friday but there is a requirement to carry out duties around the Pre-Prep, such as run an after school activity, lunch time duties, playground duties and attend meetings.
There is a requirement in this role to cover one after school duty until 6pm each week and you must be prepared to deputise for the Head of Pre-Prep in case of absence.
Holidays, Days Off and Benefits
School holidays are usually three weeks at Christmas, three weeks at Easter, eight weeks in the summer, one week for February and May half terms and two weeks for October half term. There are regular staff meetings and INSET days before the start of each term and all staff are expected to attend these.
Benefits include:
● Generous pension scheme
Professional development and a variety of training opportunities
School lunches, snacks and refreshments provided during term time
Use of the school gym and Cheam’s wonderful facilities
Wellbeing focus with access to physio, counsellors and regular team socials
● Free onsite parking
CHEAM | Head of Early Years
Working at Cheam
Our staff are Cheam’s greatest asset. From the inspiring and experienced teachers to the efficient and friendly support teams, everyone contributes to the special environment at Cheam. It is the perfect place for staff to thrive and grow.
“It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting, with a brilliant group of colleagues who make coming to work worthwhile.”
“Having worked in a number of schools, when I found Cheam, it felt the most like home. The team, the amazing site and the positive, can-do attitudes are what makes it a great place to work and live.”
“The feeling of camaraderie amongst the staff and being part of the Cheam team. It’s a very special community.”
Click on the logos below to read our wonderful reviews and listings
CHEAM | Head of Early Years
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities form found on our website at www.cheamschool.co.uk and please include a covering letter. Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications without a completed application form.
Covering letters and application forms should be submitted via email to Siobhan Branch, branchs@cheamschool.co.uk - alternatively you can post your application to the address below.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications: Thursday 14 May 2026 at 17:00th
Interviews will be held from: Monday 18 May th
• Start date: September 2026
The school reserves the right to call someone to interview before the application closing date
Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Cheam School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We are also committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. If you believe your personal values would fit with the Cheam values and ethos we would love to hear from you. Whatever your background, if you lead by example, show resilience, kindness and seek always to integrate and share, please get in touch.