Head of Year (EYFS)

Job Description

Head of Year (EYFS) – Starting in September 2026

To carry out the professional duties of a class teacher as specified in the Hornsby House contract.

In accordance with these terms and conditions, class teachers are responsible to the Head of Lower School
and Headmaster.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Promote the Aims, Values and Policies of the School
•

•

To actively support the School’s Equal Opportunities, Disability and Behaviour Policies to strengthen
the ethos of the School and maintain discipline and high standards of conduct and appearance
Take overall responsibility for quality and standards of teaching and learning across Reception, working
closely with the Deputy Head Academic, colleagues and subject leads to maximise progress
of all pupils

•  Work closely with Head of Lower School, Deputy Head Pastoral, Deputy Head Academic and Assistant

Heads to promote the well-being and academic development of pupils

•  Differentiate learning opportunities for all pupils
•  Be prepared to take an extra-curricular activity after school and accompany a group of children to a

•

•
•

school activity off-site as appropriate
To take responsibility, with involvement from the Head of Lower School and the Registrar, for the
organisation of the Reception class lists for each academic year
To monitor and be responsible for resources
To be willing to contribute smoothly to the overall running of the school through assisting with
cover, duties and clubs

Teaching and Learning:

•  Plan collaboratively and teach engaging and challenging lessons that ensure all pupils met or exceed

the Early Year Goals and promote a love of learning

•  Provide enriching, stimulating experiences and environments that engage Reception pupils
•  Demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting children with Special Needs, working closely with

the SENDCo and other colleagues to achieve this

•  Work closely with Subject Coordinators to maintain a high standard of teaching and learning
•  Provide a stimulating working environment in the classroom
•

To be responsible for the effective supervision of the work of the Classroom Assistant, where
appropriate
To be responsible for the display areas in the classroom and any other areas which may be allocated by
the Art Co-ordinator

•

Professional Standards

•  Uphold the national Teachers’ Standards
•  Hold regular team meetings to keep the Reception team informed of any developments and changes
•
Take a keen interest in their own Professional Development, including attending relevant INSET and
reporting back to staff

•  Attend weekly Lower School meetings to provide pupil feedback, share good practice and remain up to

date with the Whole School Development Plan

•  Understand, and always act within, the statutory framework which set out their professional duties and

responsibilities

Curriculum, Assessment, Recording and Reporting

•  Develop and review the Reception curriculum, including new initiatives
•

To submit termly plans, to the relevant member of the curriculum leadership team by the first day of
each new term and to use this planning to teach a sequence of high-quality lessons that have
been adapted to the bespoke needs of the class

•  Assess children’s progress and maintain record-keeping procedures in line with our school policies,
and provide detailed written reports for the parents, within the agreed time scale (twice yearly)

•  Monitor teaching and learning by conducting learning walks, observations, and work and

•

planning scrutinies
To attend Parents’ Evenings, occasional Saturday or evening activities and other important
commitments as specified by the Headmaster

Qualification and Experience

•  Appropriate degree, with UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS within the Early Years
•  Evidence of experience and genuine understanding of Early Years
•  Outstanding classroom practice and ability to demonstrate the highest standards of teaching and

learning

•  Have knowledge and understanding of the ISI inspection framework and required Inspection Standards,

including Early Years

•  Maintain order and good discipline among pupils and safeguard their health and safety in line with the

school’s policies and government guidelines

Practical Skills

•  Strong verbal and written communication
•  Excellent organisational skills
•  Ability to lead a strong Reception Team
•  Ability to support and inspire pupils
•  Promote home/school partnerships through clear welcoming, friendly communication and

consultation.

Personal Qualities

•  Demonstrate interest in learning and personal development
•  Motivated, enthusiastic, sense of fun and approachable
•  Demonstrate a good working knowledge of the Early Years and assessment against the Early Learning
Goals in order to achieve the highest possible standards of teaching and learning within the classroom
context
To be able to promote the well-being, health and happiness of the children in their class and any other
assigned groups; foster positive self-esteem and hold high expectations of children’s work and
behaviour

•

•  Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and to be able to interact well
•  High levels of initiative, energy and readiness to work hard
•  Be flexible and adapt practice to the evolving landscape of education
•  Appreciation and resonance with Hornsby House Values

This job description is not intended to be all embracing and the post holder shall be required to carry out other
duties as necessary, as required by the Headmaster.